Effects of Alpha Tocopherol Againts Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity

Ototoxicity is a known side effect of cisplatin chemotherapy due to formation of free radicals causing death to cochlear outer hair cells, resulting in hearing loss. Alpha tocopherol has otoprotective effects towards cisplatin in animal studies. Further human studies are needed. The objective of this study was to measure hearing function to know the otoprotective effects of alpha tocopherol against cisplatin. A randomized control trial was performed at Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung in December 2011-February 2012 in 2 groups. The treatment group received standard cisplatin chemotherapy treatment and alpha tocopherol 400 International Unit (IU)/day since day 1 before a 30-day-treatment. the control group received standard cisplatin chemotherapy treatment. Hearing evaluation was done using tympanometry, audiometry and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) before and after the first and second cycles of chemotherapy. Results showed that ototoxic incidence after the first cycle of chemotherapy was significantly lower in group 1 (33.3%) than group 2 (66.7%) (p=0.046, CI=95%). Ototoxic incidence after the second cycle of chemotherapy was significantly lower in group 1 (50%) than group 2 (88.9%) (p=0.027, CI=95%). In conclusion, oral alpha tocopherol 400 IU can prevent cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.