Global Summit Tackles Hearing Loss in Young Cancer Survivors

Nearly 600,000 children worldwide survive cancer each year, but many carry an invisible burden: permanent hearing loss from the treatments that saved their lives.

Now, the International Society of Paediatric Oncology is launching a global initiative to protect young patients from treatment-related hearing damage. The organization's first major educational webinar on June 10 will connect clinicians, researchers, and survivors across continents to share breakthrough prevention strategies.

The challenge is urgent. Chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin can destroy the delicate cells in children's ears, causing irreversible hearing loss that affects their education, relationships, and quality of life for decades. For years, doctors had few options beyond choosing between saving lives and preserving hearing.

That's changing fast. Dr. David Freyer from Children's Hospital Los Angeles will present findings on Sodium Thiosulfate, a protective drug showing promise in preventing cisplatin-induced hearing damage. Dr. Rod Rassekh from BC Children's Hospital will share research on why some children are genetically more vulnerable, helping doctors identify at-risk patients before treatment begins.

The webinar breaks new ground by centering survivor voices alongside medical expertise. Sidney Chahonyo from Hope for Cancer Kids, who experienced treatment-related hearing loss firsthand, will moderate discussions about the real-world impact on young survivors and their families.

The Ripple Effect

This collaboration spans continents and perspectives. Experts from the United States, Canada, Turkey, and India will share insights tailored to different healthcare settings, ensuring low-resource countries can implement protective strategies too.

Parent advocate Usha Sudheer from India will speak to the family experience, while Professor Kristy Knight will explain how early audiological care can make the difference between a child thriving or struggling in school. Dr. Sonay Ozdemir will address unique challenges in lower-income countries, where hearing preservation often takes a backseat to survival.

The initiative represents a fundamental shift in pediatric cancer care: treating the whole child, not just the tumor. As prevention trials advance and genetic screening improves, doctors are gaining tools to customize treatments that cure cancer while protecting young patients' futures.

Healthcare professionals, survivors, patient advocates, and anyone passionate about childhood cancer care can register for the free webinar at the SIOP website. Together, they're building a future where beating cancer doesn't mean losing the sounds of laughter, music, and loved ones' voices.