Robert D. Frisina, Ph.D.

Researchers have uncovered the long-term effects of cisplatin-based chemotherapy on the hearing of cancer survivors, according to a recent study published by Sanchez et al in JAMA Oncology.

Background

Cisplatin is commonly used in chemotherapy to treat a variety of cancer types, including urothelial, lung, neck, and testicular cancers. The treatment is administered intravenously and affects various parts of the body. However, because the ears are particularly vulnerable and have little ability to filter out the drug, cisplatin can become trapped—leading to inflammation, the destruction of sensory cells that are critical for coding sound, and permanent hearing loss that can progressively worsen well after the completion of cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

“It’s important that we understand the real-world effects of patients’ sensory problems and if we can understand that, then we can develop better therapeutic strategies and preventive measures to improve the long-term quality of life for cancer survivors,” explained co–study author Robert Frisina… Continue reading.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) has announced the pending induction of Robert D. Frisina, Ph.D., Professor of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Director of Biomedical Engineering Director – Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research, Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, University of South Florida, to its College of Fellows. Dr. Frisina was nominated, reviewed, and elected by peers and members of the College of Fellows For outstanding contributions and leadership in discovering causes of age-related hearing loss and developing innovative pathways for detection and treatment.