Relation between auditory difficulties and bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma: a single-center cross-sectional study

Purpose Bortezomib is a neurotoxic drug used in multiple myeloma and responsible for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). In a previous cross-sectional study, CIPN prevalence was about 26.9% in 67 patients. A second data analysis was performed to explore the relation between CIPN and auditory difficulties. Methods Based on 66 multiple myeloma patients from a single center, auditory difficulties were assessed with a self-questionnaire and compared to sensory CIPN (QLQ-CIPN20 questionnaire), patients’ characteristics and anticancer treatments. Results The prevalence of auditory difficulties was about 42.4% (95% CI [30.6–55.2]) of the 66 patients analyzed and was higher in patients with CIPN than without (82.4% vs . 28.6%, p < 0.001). Auditory difficulties were not related to the characteristics of patients and treatments. The severity of auditory difficulties were correlated to CIPN severity (spearman’s coefficient: 0.49, p = 0.009). Odds-ratio of auditory difficulties (multivariable analysis adjusted for sensory CIPN, recreation or professional noise exposure, gender, age, and treatments) was significantly associated with CIPN (18.7, 95% CI [3.0–117.1], p = 0.002). Conclusion This relation between CIPN and auditory difficulties raises concerns about hearing safety in multiple myeloma patients treated by bortezomib. Trial registration number: NCT03344328.