Ginkgo Biloba As A Potential Protector Against Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity: Expression In Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignancy of the upper aerodigestive tract that has a high death rate. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are two options for treating nasopharyngeal cancer. Ototoxicity and hearing loss are side effects of platinum-class chemotherapy medications like carboplatin and cisplatin. Because of its antioxidant properties, ginkgo biloba extract may help avoid the negative consequences of cisplatin ototoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study examined a sample of newly diagnosed patients with nasopharyngeal cancer receiving cisplatin treatment at the DR. Moewardi Hospital between July and September 2022. It included a pre- and post-test control group design. The sample was split into two groups: the one that received 60 mg of ginkgo biloba extract twice day for six weeks. Cisplatin treatment without extra extracts was administered to the control group. The NOX-3 levels were examined in order to conduct the examination.

RESULTS: A p-value <0.05 was found when the mean NOX-3 levels in both groups were calculated before and after treatment. The average NOX-3 level in the control group was 2.48 prior to treatment and 3.51 following treatment (p=0.008). The average NOX-3 level in the treatment group was 2.25 prior to treatment and 1.84 following treatment (p=0.045).

CONCLUSION: Blood NOX-3 levels in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with ginkgo biloba differed significantly from those in the control group. This demonstrates the benefits of these plants, making them suitable for use in conjunction with cisplatin chemotherapy to avoid hearing loss.