Research advances in the prevention and treatment of sensorineural hearing loss following chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancers

VernacularTitle:头颈部肿瘤放化疗后感音神经性听力损失及防治的研究进展
Author: Xuejiao SONG ¹ ; Meng LI ; Mei SHI
Author Information

1. 空军军医大学第一附属医院放疗科，西安　710032
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Head and neck cancer (HNC); Radiotherapy; Chemotherapy; Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL)
From: Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(4):368-373
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is recognized as the most severe ototoxic complication following radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs). It significantly impairs patients′ quality of life due to the lack of effective drugs. Although advances in radiotherapy techniques have played a crucial role in improving patients′ survival rates and protecting organs at risk, SNHL remains inevitable. This review presents the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, clinical manifestations, assessment criteria, pathogenesis, risk factors, and prophylactic/therapeutic strategies of SNHL, in order to provide novel insights for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.