Vitamin E neuroprotection against cisplatin ototoxicity: Preliminary results from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial


Abstract

Background

Few studies have investigated the effect of vitamin E in reducing the cisplatin (CDDP)-induced ototoxicity. This study evaluated vitamin E supplementation as a protecting agent against CDDP-induced ototoxicity.

Methods

Patients who started CDDP were randomly assigned to receive vitamin E supplementation at 400 mg per day (group 1) or placebo (group 2). Audiograms and evoked brainstem responses were obtained at baseline, and after 1, 2, and 3 months.

Results

Twenty-three patients affected by solid malignancies were enrolled (13 in group 1 and 10 in group 2). At 1 month, a significant hearing loss in group 2 at both 2000 HZ (right ear: p = .05; left ear: p = .04) and 8000 HZ (right ear: p = .04; left ear: p = .03) was detected when compared to baseline values. Audiograms did not show significant changes. At 1 month, evoked brainstem responses remained unchanged in both arms without significant differences between groups.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings confirm the neuroprotective properties of vitamin E against the CDDP-induced ototoxicity.

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