Vestibulotoxicity Assessment using Video Head Impulse Test (v-HIT) in Cancer Patients Receiving Platinum-Based Chemotherapy at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz

The aim of the research was to study vestibulotoxicity among cancer patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy agents, using video Head Impulse Test (v-HIT). A total of 23 patients were recruited throughout July 2020 until December 2022 from the Oncology and Haematology Unit in Hospital Censelor Tuanku Muhriz. History taking, otoscopy and visual assessments were performed. Vestibular assessments were performed with v-HIT prior to initiation of chemotherapy, post treatment and one month after treatment completion. Pre-chemotherapy vestibular assessment was performed in 23 cancer patients who received treatment. Eight (34.8%) patients were able to complete the assessments conducted. Five (21.7%) patients were able to complete assessments at treatment completion. Ten (43.5%) patients were unable to complete the assessments due to disease progression/ death. Two out of 13 (15.4%) patients who completed the assessments had decreased vestibulo-ocular reflex gain. In our study, vestibulotoxicity based on decrease in vestibulo-ocular reflex gain was 15.4% (2/13). Age was one of the factors that might cause decrease in vestibulo-ocular reflex gain. The type of cancer might also affect the vestibular function due to hormonal changes. In conclusion, this study found that 15.4% of cancer patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy exhibited vestibulotoxicity as evidenced by decreased vestibulo-ocular reflex gain on v-HIT. Age and cancer type may contribute to this risk, highlighting the need for careful vestibular monitoring in this population.