alpha-difluoromethylornithine ototoxicity. Chemoprevention clinical trial results.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of low-dose oral eflornithine hydrochloride (difluoromethylornithine [DFMO]) administration on hearing and to identify factors that influence those effects.


METHODS
Combined data from 2 studies: a prospective, randomized phase 1 clinical trial of eflornithine (n = 26 subjects) and a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial of eflornithine (n = 40 subjects).


METHODS
Ambulatory academic tertiary care referral center.


METHODS
Sixty-six volunteer subjects who had previously treated bladder, prostate, or colon cancer with no current evidence of neoplastic disease, or who were healthy individuals at increased risk for colon cancer, all without need of hearing amplification.


METHODS
Subjects were randomized to receive oral eflornithine at daily doses between 0.5 and 3 g per square meter of body surface area (g/m2) for 6 to 12 months (phase 1 study) or randomized to receive placebo or eflornithine, 0.5 g/m2 for 12 months (phase 2 study).


METHODS
Auditory thresholds were measured before, during, and after eflornithine administration. Auditory thresholds and threshold shifts were evaluated with regard to eflornithine dose, serologic variables, and demographic factors.


RESULTS
Predictable shifts in auditory thresholds occurred following administration of eflornithine. As the daily dose of eflornithine increased, the magnitude and incidence of threshold shift increased, and the time until onset of threshold shift decreased. Threshold changes were greater in the lower frequencies than in the higher frequencies. Subjects' sex, age, and renal function had no effect on eflornithine-associated threshold shifts. Threshold shifts were reversible after eflornithine treatment was discontinued.


CONCLUSIONS
Administration of eflornithine is associated with a predictable shift in auditory thresholds. The magnitude and incidence of threshold shift correlate with the daily eflornithine dose.
Pasic
T R
TR
Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. pasic@surgery.wisc.edu
Heisey
D
D
Love
R R
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D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001299:Audiometry; D001309:Auditory Threshold / Q000187:drug effects*; D017321:Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D000518:Eflornithine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006309:Hearing / Q000187:drug effects*; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D000518:Eflornithine