Dr. Raymond Douglas and his team analyzed 38 patients with confirmed hearing loss before treatment, comparing those on the standard three-week infusion schedule against a group receiving doses every six weeks. The results indicated that the extended interval reduced the likelihood of hearing deterioration by more than 60%. While 45% of patients on the standard schedule experienced a clinically significant hearing decline at 24 weeks, only about one in six patients on the six-week schedule saw similar issues.
New Dosing Schedule May Protect Hearing for Thyroid Eye Disease Patients
Patients with pre-existing hearing loss may face a lower risk of further decline during thyroid eye disease treatment by extending the interval between teprotumumab infusions. Research presented at the ASOPRS 57th Annual Fall Scientific Symposium suggests a six-week dosing schedule is significantly safer for hearing than the standard three-week protocol.
Critically, the research found no trade-off in therapeutic efficacy. Patients in both groups showed comparable improvements in inflammation, eye bulging, and double vision, suggesting that the longer interval maintains the drug's benefits while sparing the ears. Dr. Douglas emphasized that hearing monitoring remains essential for this population, noting that patients with pre-existing hearing issues often cite this side effect as their primary concern. While these findings offer a promising strategy for high-risk individuals, researchers noted that larger prospective studies are required to confirm these observations before changes to clinical practice are adopted.
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