Monday, 18 November 2019
Researchers from the University of Nottingham are calling for volunteers to take part in a new study to investigate the impact and long-term side effects from chemotherapy — primarily hearing loss and tinnitus.
The research is led by Stephanie Pearson in Hearing Sciences, from the School of Medicine. Stephanie not only wants to find participants for her study, but hopes to raise awareness of this important, yet currently under-studied issue.
For many adult cancers the five-year survival rate is above 80 per cent, and for many survivors the initial, acute and adverse effects take priority. It is only when these primary side-effects subside that the long-term toxicities progress and become apparent and can have an increasing impact on day-to-day life.
"Cancer research has come a long way, in fact many common adult cancers have survival rates over 80 per cent. However, due to the intensity of treatment, many face long-term physical and emotional challenges in survivorship,” said Stephanie.
“Many patients go on to experience significant permanent and life-changing effects, which can have a detrimental impact on their quality of life. This is an increasing issue for the NHS, and although more is being done by providing late-effects services, many of these late effects are not yet fully understood. We now know that cisplatin, one of the commonly used chemotherapy drugs, is toxic to the delicate structures of the ear and can cause permanent hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and balance problems.”
Michael Prior, 62, a retired civil servant, was diagnosed with cancer in his early twenties. After six cycles of chemotherapy, he developed, tinnitus, hearing loss and balance problems.
I am eternally grateful for the treatment received, however looking back I was unprepared for all the side effects from treatment which nowadays have huge impact on my quality of life. Because of these late effects, I had to retire early, although I know I was fortunate to have that option available to me. I’d been aware of tinnitus and reduced hearing for some time, but about three years ago, things suddenly become much worse very quickly. I started getting sudden, disabling, long-lasting and full-on vertigo. There was no forewarning, it was like a switch being thrown. I was being sick and unable to move.”
Despite tinnitus being a fairly common side effect of cisplatin, there is currently little information and support offered to patients who suffer from ototoxicity (toxicity of the ear), potentially leading to many being undiagnosed and untreated. Therefore, the need to research the long-term effects of treatment and better understand how it effects day to day life, is crucial.
Tinnitus — often referred to as ringing in the ears — can affect mood, wellbeing, concentration and sleep. The most common form of tinnitus is a sensation of noise that cannot be heard by others and is often perceived as a ringing, humming, buzzing or even whooshing sound. In some people, this can be very distressing.
Hearing loss and tinnitus are associated with a higher risk of depression, social isolation and anxiety. It can be hard for people to take part in conversations and can often make people feel left out, or withdrawn, from social activities and become lonely.
“For most people, myself included, the ‘all-clear’ moment, with your physician, when they are reviewing the critical diagnostic tests at the end of your treatment, is a life-changing moment and one I’ll never forget,” revealed Michael. “However, it’s the end of one phase and the beginning of another.”
“Once the patient has had time to process and come to terms with their cancer journey, there needs to be a supportive process where they are orientated towards life after cancer. A process that addresses the person’s emotional health, as well as their medical health would really improve the overall quality of life,” he added.
The specific aim of Stephanie’s project is to explore, in depth, the burden of hearing loss and tinnitus on people living with and beyond cancer and to investigate the specific impact ototoxicity has on their quality of life. She hopes that by finding out what the main problems are, it will help set up a better support system for anyone living with and beyond cancer.
It is essential we have a deeper understanding and increased awareness of how hearing loss and tinnitus can impact the day-to-day life of people living with and beyond cancer, so we can improve long-term symptom management and support offered. We want to create a community where people never feel ignored, lost or alone during their cancer journey.”
The study involves having a simple hearing test, answering three short questionnaires and having an interview on your personal experience. Stephanie is looking for adults (18+) who have had chemotherapy more than six months ago, or even years later, who also have hearing loss and/or tinnitus, and would like to share their story.
She wants to learn from other peoples experience to improve knowledge in this area, and therefore offer support given to those currently impacted by cancer.
To take part in the trial email Stephanie Pearson at stephanie.pearson@nottingham.ac.uk
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For more information or to register for the trial contact Stephanie Pearson on +44 (0)115 823 2611, stephanie.pearson@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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