U.S. FDA Approves New Therapy to Prevent Chemo-Induced Hearing Loss in Children
U.S. FDA Approves New Therapy to Prevent Chemo-Induced Hearing Loss in Children
Chemotherapy can lead to hearing loss, but Fennec Pharmaceuticals Inc’s new intravenous therapy will ensure fewer kids with cancer experience it. The FDA approved the treatment, called PEDMARK®, on September 21, 2022.1
Details on PEDMARK
PEDMARK is available for children over one month who have had chemotherapy with cisplatin, a commonly prescribed drug for children with bone, brain, liver and other types of cancer that is ototoxic. An ototoxic drug can cause an individual to develop permanent hearing loss. PEDMARK helps reduce the risk of ototoxicity from cisplatin and is the only approved therapy to prevent hearing loss due to cisplatin in the United States.
Cisplatin-induced hearing loss is common—approximately 60 to 90% of children treated with the drug experience permanent hearing loss.2
Hearing loss at any age can significantly impact an individual’s life. But being able to hear well is especially important for young children, as even mild hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop appropriate communication, language, learning and social skills.
Over 200 Drugs Are Ototoxic
Cisplatin isn’t the only ototoxic drug out there. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, there are over 200 ototoxic medications that could lead to hearing loss. These include antibiotics, diuretics, chemotherapy drugs and even aspirin.
In addition to hearing loss, ototoxic medications can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and balance disorders.
If you’re concerned you or someone you love is taking an ototoxic medication, check with your doctor. They can help you determine if the drug’s benefits are worth the potential risks and may be able to prescribe an alternative, non-ototoxic medication instead.
Whether you’re currently taking an ototoxic drug or have in the past, a hearing evaluation is a must. Protect your hearing health by scheduling a checkup with our team today.
1 Reuters. (2022). U.S. FDA approves Fennec’s hearing loss therapy. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-fda-approves-fennecs-hearing-loss-therapy-2022-09-21/
2 Hearing Health & Technology Matters. (2022). FDA approves Pedmark® to reduce hearing loss risk in pediatric patients undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy. https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearingnewswatch/2022/fda-approves-pedmark-hearing-loss-pediatric-chemo/
