All-Trans Retinoic Acid-Induced Ototoxicity during Chemotherapy in Pediatric Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is known to induce complete remission of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and its use has significantly improved the cure rate of APL. However, ATRA also causes side effects such as differentiation syndrome or intracranial hypertension. In our case, the patient was diagnosed with APL and developed hearing loss thrice while being treated with ATRA. Therefore, we reduced the dose of ATRA instead of stopping it altogether and administered dexamethasone to the patient. A hearing test performed thereafter revealed recovery of hearing. No recurrence of hearing loss occurred after prednisolone and ATRA were combined in the maintenance phase. In conclusion, ATRA-associated hearing loss is reversible, and it is not necessary to stop ATRA. We recommend completion of a randomized clinical trial using dexamethasone in combination with ATRA to prevent hearing loss caused by ATRA.

Automated summary

While ATRA is effective in treating APL, it may lead to side effects such as hearing loss. This case demonstrates that reducing the dose of ATRA and administering dexamethasone can successfully reverse ATRA-associated hearing loss. Conducting a randomized clinical trial using dexamethasone in combination with ATRA is recommended to prevent hearing loss caused by ATRA.