Long-term renal and hearing toxicity of carboplatin in infants treated for localized and unresectable neuroblastoma: Results of the SFOPNBL90 study

Background. A secondary end point of the NBL90 protocol (Rubie H et al. Pediatr Oncol 2001;36:247-250) was the concern in this infant population for possible carboplatin(CBDCA) induced late side effects including impaired renal and hearing functions. Procedure. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), tubular function (TF), pure tone audiometry (PTA), high-frequency, and transient evoked-otoacoustic emission were prospectively assessed in 30 children alive and disease-free 6 years after the end of the treatment. Results. Median age at diagnosis and at assessment was 4.7 months and 7 years, respectively. Blood pressure was <= 97.5 centile in all children. The mean estimated GFR was 114 +/- 13 ml/min/1.73 m(2) by Schwartz formula [range 87-145]. TF assessment failed to demonstrate any impairment. 29/30 children had grade 0 ototoxicity and all transient evoked otoacoustic emission were normal. Conclusions. With a 6-year follow-up the combination of VP16 and carboplatin given at conventional doses is safe on renal and hearing functions in infants with unresectable neuroblastomas treated according to SFOP NB90. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.