TRINGQS study (Tinnitus)

Clinical study of tinnitus and its relation with hearing loss, biomarkers, genetics and quality of life in childhood cancer survivors

Recruiting

Who can enter

People who participated in the DCCS LATER study between 2017 and 2020
Age: 18 years or older
A follow-up appointment at the LATER outpatient clinic is scheduled between 2024 and 2027

Goal

The objective of this study is to gain more insight into the prevalence of (permanent) tinnitus and its relationship with hearing loss. Additionally, we aim to examine the impact of tinnitus on quality of life. We will investigate the value of a protein in the blood for predicting hearing damage, and explore potential genetic predispositions for the development of hearing damage after childhood cancer treatment.

Background

A serious side effect of childhood cancer treatment is damage to the inner ear, which can manifest as hearing loss/deafness, vertigo (dizziness), and tinnitus (ringing in the ears), often permanent. Testing for hearing loss is increasingly becoming a part of standard care during and after treatment. However, tinnitus has not yet received much attention.

At the Princess Máxima Center, we have therefore studied tinnitus-related risk factors in 2,948 survivors of the first treated childhood cancer cohort (1963-2002) within the Dutch LATER study. Tinnitus was present in 10% of survivors, and their risk was three times higher compared to their siblings. Those who received platinum-based chemotherapy (cisplatin), radiation to the head, or underwent brain surgery were found to have a higher risk of tinnitus.

In the current project, we will expand on this previous study of tinnitus, as much knowledge is still lacking. For example, the association with hearing loss, genetic predisposition, the role of biomarkers, and the impact of tinnitus on quality of life (QoL) and daily life participation are unknown. Previously identified survivors with tinnitus will be approached to undergo a hearing test at the late effects clinic to detect possible hearing loss. A tinnitus-specific QoL questionnaire will also be completed, and the results of previously completed general QoL questionnaires will be analyzed. Existing genetic data from the cohort will be examined to determine genetic predispositions for tinnitus. The protein prestin will be measured in archived blood serum samples to assess whether changes in its levels can indicate inner ear damage.

Childhood cancer survivors often experience side effects and a reduced quality of life due to treatment, and tinnitus can have a significant additional impact. Our study is therefore important for implementing routine screening in clinical practice, identifying high-risk survivors, and applying psychological and audiological interventions.

This research is financially supported by KiKa.

In order to participate in a study please refer to your doctor.

Last reviewed

March 23, 2026

Study details
Official title
Tinnitus and its Relation wIth heariNg loss, biomarkers, Genetics and Quality of life in childhood cancer Survivors: the TRINGQS study
Cancer type
All cancer diagnoses
Maximum number of patients
170, of whom 170 are expected to participate in the Netherlands
Start date
September 16, 2024
Status
Open
Local principal investigator
Nienke Streefkerk, MD/PhD-candidate
Sponsor
Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology
Approval
This study has been reviewed and approved by the internal scientific committee (Clinical Research Committee) of the Princess Máxima Center. An accredited medical research ethics committee waived the need for official approval according to the Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act (WMO), and is therefore not further involved in the review of the research. This is only done for studies with low risk or low patient burden. More information can be found at: CCMO.