Is Nanotechnology the Answer for the Treatment of Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity? - Abstract
Cisplatin (CDDP) is a highly active chemotherapeutic compound that is commonly used in the treatment of a variety of solid tumors including head and neck, lungs, ovary, bladder and testicles. However, it presents several side effects, including nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity. CDDP produces sensorineural hearing loss by the induction of apoptosis or necrosis of hair cells of the Organ of Corti.
Several compounds have been used systemically or locally to avoid cisplatininduced ototoxicity such as corticosteroids, antioxidants, and caspase inhibitors. However, most of these drugs present severe side effects, are highly hydrophobic and therefore, difficult to administrate. Moreover, the systemic administration of these compounds can interfere with the desired effect of CDDP altering its anti-proliferative
activity.
Different kinds of nanoparticles (NPs) have been used to cross the round window membrane and increase the bioavailability of drugs in the inner ear, and therefore, can also be used to provide an appropriate dose of the otoprotective drug with minimal interference with CDDP if locally administered in the middle ear.
In this review the nanoparticulated systems that have been used for inner ear drug administration are described as promising approaches to combat CDDP-induced ototoxicity.