Pedmarqsi
Sodium Thiosulfate, with the chemical formula Na2S2O3, is an inorganic salt that has traversed a remarkable path from a widely used industrial and chemical commodity to a critical, life-saving medication and a targeted therapeutic agent in modern medicine.[1] Historically known to photographers as "hypo" for its role in fixing photographic film, its applications have expanded into diverse fields, including water treatment as a dechlorinating agent and analytical chemistry as a titrant.[1] However, its most profound impact lies in its medical applications. For nearly a century, it has been a cornerstone in the treatment of acute cyanide poisoning, a role that cemented its place in emergency medicine.[3] More recently, rigorous clinical investigation has led to its approval by major global regulatory bodies for a highly specific and novel indication: the prevention of permanent, debilitating hearing loss (ototoxicity) in pediatric cancer patients undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy.[5] This evolution from a bulk chemical to a precision supportive care drug highlights a sophisticated understanding of its unique chemical reactivity and its translation into distinct, context-dependent pharmacological effects.
This report provides a definitive and exhaustive monograph on Sodium Thiosulfate, synthesizing comprehensive data on its physicochemical properties, pharmacological profile, clinical applications, and regulatory status. It begins by detailing the fundamental chemical and physical characteristics that directly influence its pharmaceutical formulation and route of administration. The analysis then elucidates its distinct mechanisms of action, explaining how the same molecule can function as a sulfur donor for cyanide detoxification, a direct chemical inactivator and antioxidant for preventing cisplatin-induced ototoxicity, and a potent calcium-solubilizing agent in the management of calciphylaxis.
The report critically evaluates the pivotal clinical trial evidence that underpins its modern indications, particularly the landmark studies that established its efficacy in preventing hearing loss in children with cancer. A detailed examination of its pharmacokinetic profile reveals the basis for its requisite intravenous administration and provides a rationale for dose adjustments and timing in special populations, such as patients undergoing hemodialysis. The comprehensive safety profile, including common adverse effects like electrolyte disturbances and rare but serious hypersensitivity reactions, is thoroughly reviewed.
Furthermore, the report chronicles the complex and lengthy regulatory journey of its branded formulation, Pedmark®/Pedmarqsi™, offering a compelling case study in the repurposing of an established compound for a novel therapeutic use. Key findings underscore the critical importance of pharmaceutical formulation, precise administration timing, and careful patient selection in achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes. This analysis demonstrates the transformation of Sodium Thiosulfate from a simple inorganic salt into a sophisticated tool of modern medicine, reflecting a significant advancement in targeted, preventative supportive care.
Sodium Thiosulfate is an inorganic sodium salt with the chemical formula Na2S2O3.[7] The molecule consists of two sodium cations (
Na+) ionically bonded to a single thiosulfate anion (S2O32−).[7] It is commercially available in two primary forms: the anhydrous salt (
Na2S2O3), which has a molar mass of 158.11 g/mol, and the more common and stable pentahydrate form (Na2S2O3⋅5H2O), which has a molecular weight of 248.18 g/mol.[1] The pentahydrate is often referred to by its historical names, "soda" or "hypo".[1] The distinction between these two forms is of paramount importance in pharmaceutical manufacturing and compounding to ensure accurate calculations for dosing and solution preparation.
Sodium Thiosulfate pentahydrate presents as a colorless, odorless, monoclinic crystalline solid or a white crystalline powder.[8] It possesses a distinct saline taste.[1] One of its most significant physical properties is its high solubility in water; at 100°C, 231 grams will dissolve in 100 mL of water.[1] In stark contrast, it is insoluble in alcohol.[1] This high aqueous solubility is fundamental to its use in medicine, as it allows for the preparation of concentrated solutions for intravenous administration.
The thermal properties of the pentahydrate are well-defined. It has a low melting point of approximately 48.3°C.[1] Upon heating to 100°C, it undergoes dehydration, losing all five of its water molecules of crystallization.[1] Further heating leads to decomposition; at 310°C it decomposes to form sulfur and sodium sulfite, while at higher temperatures it can yield sodium sulfate and sodium polysulfide (
4Na2S2O3→3Na2SO4+Na2S5).[1] The compound is also described as hygroscopic and can be deliquescent (absorb moisture from the air to dissolve) in a hot, humid environment, necessitating storage in well-sealed containers.[1]
The chemical behavior of Sodium Thiosulfate is defined by the reactivity of the thiosulfate anion. It is stable in neutral and alkaline aqueous solutions, but it readily decomposes in the presence of acid. This reaction liberates sulfur dioxide gas and precipitates elemental sulfur, as shown in the following reaction: Na2S2O3+2HCl→2NaCl+H2O+SO2+S.[1] This instability in acidic environments is not merely a chemical curiosity; it is the primary reason for the drug's extremely poor and erratic absorption when administered orally, as it is rapidly degraded by gastric acid. This fundamental chemical property dictates the clinical necessity for intravenous administration to achieve reliable and therapeutic systemic drug levels.[10]
Sodium Thiosulfate is a potent reducing agent. It famously reacts with oxidizing agents such as iodine, reducing it to iodide while the thiosulfate is oxidized to tetrathionate (2S2O32−+I2→S4O62−+2I−).[8] This specific reaction forms the basis of iodometric titrations in analytical chemistry.[2] Its reducing properties are also harnessed in industrial applications, such as the dechlorination of water, where it neutralizes residual chlorine.[1]
Furthermore, the thiosulfate ion is an effective complexing agent, or ligand. It can form stable, soluble complexes with various metal ions. Its most well-known application in this regard is in photography, where it dissolves unexposed silver halide crystals (e.g., silver bromide) from film by forming the soluble complex ion 3−, thereby "fixing" the image.[1] This ability to form soluble complexes with metals is also central to some of its therapeutic effects.
Table 1: Summary of Physicochemical Properties of Sodium Thiosulfate
Property | Anhydrous Form (Na2S2O3) | Pentahydrate Form (Na2S2O3⋅5H2O) | Source(s) |
---|---|---|---|
Molecular Formula | Na2S2O3 | Na2S2O3⋅5H2O | 1 |
Molar Mass | 158.11 g/mol | 248.18 g/mol | 1 |
Appearance | Opaque crystalline powder | Colorless, odorless monoclinic crystals or white crystalline powder | 1 |
Melting Point | N/A (Decomposes) | 48 - 48.3°C | 1 |
Boiling Point | N/A (Decomposes) | 100°C (Loses water of crystallization) | 1 |
Density | 1.667 g/cm³ | 1.685 g/cm³ | 1 |
Water Solubility | Soluble | Highly Soluble (231 g/100 mL at 100°C) | 1 |
Alcohol Solubility | Insoluble | Insoluble | 1 |
pH of Solution | 6.0 - 8.5 (50 mg/mL in H2O) | 6.0 - 8.5 (50 mg/mL in H2O) | 1 |
Stability | Hygroscopic; Decomposes in acid | Weathers in dry air; Deliquescent in humid air; Decomposes in acid | 1 |
A critical aspect of modern Sodium Thiosulfate therapy is the distinction between pharmaceutical formulations. While it has long been available as a generic chemical, its recent approval for a specific pediatric oncology indication has introduced a highly specialized product.
The therapeutic versatility of Sodium Thiosulfate is remarkable, stemming from the multifaceted reactivity of the thiosulfate anion. This single chemical entity can participate in distinct biochemical pathways depending on the specific pathological environment, allowing it to function as a biochemical cofactor, an antioxidant and chemical inactivator, and a solubilizing agent.
The classical and life-saving role of Sodium Thiosulfate is as an antidote to cyanide poisoning.[16] Cyanide exerts its profound toxicity by binding to the ferric ion (
Fe3+) within cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, effectively halting aerobic respiration and leading to cellular hypoxia and rapid death.[18] The body has a natural, but limited, capacity to detoxify cyanide via the mitochondrial enzyme rhodanese (thiosulfate cyanide sulfurtransferase).[14] This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of the highly toxic cyanide ion (
CN−) into the much less toxic and readily excretable thiocyanate ion (SCN−).[2]
The primary mechanism of action of Sodium Thiosulfate in this context is to serve as an exogenous sulfur donor.[14] In a severe cyanide exposure, the endogenous supply of sulfur donors becomes the rate-limiting factor for the rhodanese-catalyzed detoxification pathway.[19] By providing a vast surplus of sulfur in the form of thiosulfate, intravenous administration of the drug dramatically accelerates this natural detoxification process, allowing for the rapid conversion and subsequent renal clearance of the cyanide burden.[2]
In clinical practice for severe poisoning, Sodium Thiosulfate is often part of a two-step therapy administered sequentially after sodium nitrite.[3] Sodium nitrite works by a different mechanism: it oxidizes hemoglobin to methemoglobin, which has a high affinity for cyanide. This creates a systemic "sink," pulling cyanide out of the mitochondria and binding it in the circulation as non-toxic cyanomethemoglobin. Sodium Thiosulfate then provides the sulfur substrate needed to permanently detoxify the cyanide as it is slowly released from the cyanomethemoglobin complex.[3]
The most significant modern application of Sodium Thiosulfate is in preventing the irreversible, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss caused by the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin, particularly in children.[3] Cisplatin's ototoxicity is primarily mediated by the generation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the delicate structures of the cochlea (inner ear).[23] This intense oxidative stress triggers a cascade of events leading to the apoptosis (programmed cell death) of the cochlear outer hair cells, which are essential for hearing, especially at high frequencies.[23]
The otoprotective mechanism of Sodium Thiosulfate in this setting is understood to be multifactorial, addressing both the cause and the effect of the cochlear damage:
The clinical success of this intervention hinges critically on its administration timing. Sodium Thiosulfate is given as a 15-minute infusion precisely 6 hours after the completion of the cisplatin infusion.[23] This delay is a carefully calculated therapeutic window. It allows the cisplatin to distribute to tumor tissues and exert its desired cytotoxic, anti-cancer effects. Administering Sodium Thiosulfate concurrently with or too soon after cisplatin would risk systemic neutralization of the chemotherapy drug, potentially compromising its efficacy and leading to treatment failure.[23] This timed, sequential administration is a sophisticated strategy that separates the therapeutic effect of cisplatin from its toxic side effect.
In the context of end-stage renal disease, Sodium Thiosulfate is used off-label to treat calciphylaxis, a devastating and often fatal condition characterized by the progressive calcification of small and medium-sized blood vessels in the skin and subcutaneous fat.[3] This leads to vessel thrombosis, severe tissue ischemia, and the development of intensely painful, non-healing necrotic ulcers.[29]
While the exact mechanism is not fully elucidated, its efficacy is believed to derive from two primary properties:
The pharmacokinetic profile of Sodium Thiosulfate has been formally investigated, revealing key characteristics that govern its clinical use, particularly the necessity of intravenous administration and the impact of renal function on its clearance.
Oral administration of Sodium Thiosulfate is clinically ineffective due to extremely poor and highly variable absorption. A pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers found that the mean oral bioavailability was only 7.6%, with a wide range from 0.8% to 26%.[10] This was corroborated by the finding that only 4% of an orally administered dose was recovered in the urine over 24 hours.[10] This poor absorption profile is a direct consequence of its chemical instability in the highly acidic environment of the stomach, where it is rapidly degraded.[1] Consequently, to achieve predictable and therapeutic systemic concentrations, intravenous administration is the only viable route.[10]
Following intravenous administration, Sodium Thiosulfate is distributed in the body according to a one-compartment model, with an estimated mean volume of distribution of 0.226 L/kg.[10] The serum half-life in individuals with normal renal function is relatively short, reported to be between 15 and 50 minutes.[28]
A substantial portion of thiosulfate elimination occurs through nonrenal pathways, which are presumed to be metabolic. In healthy individuals, this nonrenal clearance accounts for approximately half of the total body clearance.[10] The primary metabolic pathway is believed to be the oxidation of thiosulfate to sulfate, a process that likely occurs predominantly in the liver but also in other tissues.[10]
A crucial finding from pharmacokinetic studies is that this metabolic clearance pathway remains intact even in patients with severe renal failure. The nonrenal clearance rate was not significantly different between healthy volunteers (mean 2.25 ml/min/kg) and anuric patients on hemodialysis (mean 2.04 ml/min/kg).[10] This demonstrates that while the kidneys are a major route of elimination for the unchanged drug, the body's ability to metabolize thiosulfate is not compromised by the loss of renal function.
The excretion of Sodium Thiosulfate and its metabolites is highly dependent on renal function.
Table 2: Comparative Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Intravenous Sodium Thiosulfate
Parameter | Healthy Volunteers | Hemodialysis Patients (Off-Dialysis) | Hemodialysis Patients (On-Dialysis) | Source(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Total Body Clearance (ml/min/kg) | 4.11 ± 0.77 | 2.04 ± 0.72 | 4.53 ± 1.40 | 10 |
Renal Clearance (ml/min/kg) | 1.86 ± 0.45 | N/A (Anuric) | N/A (Anuric) | 10 |
Nonrenal Clearance (ml/min/kg) | 2.25 ± 0.42 | 2.04 ± 0.72 | 2.04 ± 0.72 (Estimated) | 10 |
Hemodialysis Clearance (ml/min/kg) | N/A | N/A | 2.62 ± 1.01 | 10 |
Half-life | ~15-50 min | Prolonged | Reduced during dialysis | 28 |
Volume of Distribution (L/kg) | ~0.226 | ~0.226 | ~0.226 | 10 |
Oral Bioavailability | 7.6% (0.8% to 26%) | Not studied | Not studied | 10 |
Sodium Thiosulfate is a cornerstone antidote for acute cyanide poisoning, an indication for which it has been used since the 1930s.[3] It is indicated for life-threatening toxicity resulting from various exposures, including inhalation of hydrogen cyanide gas in industrial accidents or fires, ingestion of cyanide salts, or exposure to cyanogenic compounds.[3]
In clinical practice, it is a key component of the traditional cyanide antidote kit and is typically administered intravenously immediately after sodium nitrite in severe cases.[17] The combination therapy is considered more effective than either agent alone.[4] However, in specific scenarios such as smoke inhalation victims who may have concurrent carbon monoxide poisoning, Sodium Thiosulfate alone is recommended.[3] This is because sodium nitrite induces methemoglobinemia, which would further compromise the already impaired oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood in a patient with carboxyhemoglobinemia.[3] While its efficacy is well-established through decades of clinical use, there are some concerns regarding its onset of action, which relies on an enzymatic process and may be slower than that of direct binding agents like hydroxocobalamin.[3]
The most significant recent development in the therapeutic use of Sodium Thiosulfate is its approval for the prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. It is specifically indicated, under the brand names Pedmark® (U.S.) and Pedmarqsi™ (E.U.), to reduce the risk of permanent hearing loss in pediatric patients, from one month to less than 18 years of age, who are receiving cisplatin for localized, non-metastatic solid tumors.[3]
This indication is supported by high-level evidence from two pivotal, international, randomized, open-label Phase 3 clinical trials. The success of these trials represents a major paradigm shift in supportive care for oncology, moving beyond the management of side effects after they occur to the proactive, mechanism-based prevention of an irreversible toxicity. Historically, supportive care has focused on treating reversible side effects like nausea or myelosuppression. However, because cisplatin-induced hearing loss is permanent, prevention is the only effective strategy. By identifying the underlying mechanism (ROS-mediated damage) and a counteracting agent (Sodium Thiosulfate), and by designing a clinical protocol with carefully timed administration to avoid interfering with anti-tumor efficacy, researchers established a new model of targeted "chemoprotection."
The key clinical evidence is summarized below:
A key limitation of use noted in the approved labeling is that the efficacy of Sodium Thiosulfate has not been established when administered following cisplatin infusions that last longer than 6 hours. This is because irreversible damage to the cochlear hair cells may have already occurred during a prolonged infusion, rendering a post-treatment protective agent ineffective.[11]
Table 3: Summary of Pivotal Clinical Trials for Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity Prevention
Trial Name | NCT Number | Patient Population | Intervention Arms | Primary Endpoint | Key Efficacy Results | Source(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SIOPEL 6 | NCT00652132 | 114 pediatric patients with standard-risk hepatoblastoma | 1. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy 2. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy + Sodium Thiosulfate | Incidence of hearing loss (Brock Grade ≥1) | Hearing Loss Incidence: • 39% with STS • 68% with Cisplatin alone Relative Risk: 0.58 (95% CI: 0.40, 0.83) | 5 |
COG ACCL0431 | NCT00716976 | 125 pediatric patients with various localized solid tumors | 1. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy (Observation) 2. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy + Sodium Thiosulfate | Incidence of hearing loss (ASHA criteria) 4 weeks post-treatment | Hearing Loss Incidence: • 28.6% with STS • 56.4% with Observation alone Odds Ratio: 0.31 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.73); p=0.0036 | 5 |
Sodium Thiosulfate has emerged as a primary off-label therapy for calciphylaxis, a condition for which it has received Orphan Drug designation.[3] Although large-scale randomized controlled trials are still lacking, a substantial body of evidence from case series and observational studies supports its use.[29] Clinicians report that intravenous administration of Sodium Thiosulfate, typically at doses of 12.5 to 25 grams three times per week following hemodialysis, can lead to a rapid and dramatic reduction in the excruciating pain associated with the condition's ischemic lesions.[28] Furthermore, many reports document significant improvement and healing of the necrotic skin ulcers over weeks to months of therapy.[30] Despite these positive outcomes, the overall mortality rate for calciphylaxis remains very high, and Sodium Thiosulfate is used as part of a multi-faceted treatment approach that also includes meticulous wound care and management of underlying mineral bone disease.[30]
The dosing and administration of Sodium Thiosulfate are highly specific to the indication, patient population, and, in the case of ototoxicity prevention, the specific pharmaceutical product used. Adherence to established protocols is critical for both safety and efficacy.
This indication requires strict adherence to dosing based on body surface area and precise administration timing. Only the approved Pedmark®/Pedmarqsi™ formulation should be used.
While no universally standardized protocol exists, the most widely reported and empirically successful regimen involves the intravenous administration of 25 grams of Sodium Thiosulfate three times per week.[29] It is typically infused over 30 to 60 minutes, either during the last hour of a hemodialysis session or immediately following the session to leverage the drug's dialyzability for clearing mobilized calcium complexes.[28] Doses may be adjusted downward (e.g., to 12.5 grams) based on patient tolerance, particularly if side effects like nausea or metabolic acidosis occur.[30]
Table 4: Recommended Dosing Regimens for Key Indications
Indication | Patient Population | Dose | Route of Administration | Critical Administration Notes | Source(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cyanide Poisoning | Adult | 12.5 g | Slow IV injection (~10 min) | Administer immediately after sodium nitrite. May repeat with half-dose if symptoms recur. | 33 |
Pediatric | 250 mg/kg (Max: 12.5 g) | Slow IV injection | Administer immediately after sodium nitrite. May repeat with half-dose if symptoms recur. | 28 | |
Cisplatin Ototoxicity Prevention | Pediatric (1 mo to <18 yr) | Based on Actual Body Weight (ABW): • <5 kg: 10 g/m² • 5-10 kg: 15 g/m² • >10 kg: 20 g/m² | IV infusion over 15 min | Use Pedmark®/Pedmarqsi™ only. Start exactly 6 hours after cisplatin infusion ends. Must be given ≥10 hours before next cisplatin dose. | 11 |
Calciphylaxis (Off-Label) | Adult (typically ESRD) | 12.5 - 25 g, 3 times/week | IV infusion over 30-60 min | Typically administered after or during the last hour of hemodialysis. Monitor for metabolic acidosis. | 28 |
While Sodium Thiosulfate is generally considered to have low toxicity, its use in high doses and in specific patient populations is associated with a distinct profile of adverse effects that require careful monitoring and management.[41]
Formal drug-drug interaction studies with Sodium Thiosulfate are limited.[35] The most clinically relevant interactions are pharmacodynamic rather than pharmacokinetic.
The regulatory history of Sodium Thiosulfate is a compelling narrative of how an old, unpatented chemical can be navigated through the rigorous modern drug approval process for a novel, specific indication. This journey highlights the importance of high-quality clinical evidence and precisely controlled pharmaceutical manufacturing.
For decades, Sodium Thiosulfate was used medically in the U.S. primarily as part of the cyanide antidote kit, which existed in a state of being medically accepted but not formally approved under modern standards. The development of Pedmark® for ototoxicity prevention represented a completely new regulatory endeavor.
The path to approval was notably long and arduous. Fennec Pharmaceuticals initiated a rolling New Drug Application (NDA) in December 2018.[46] The application was granted Priority Review in March 2020, signaling that the FDA considered it a potential significant advance in therapy.[46] However, the company subsequently received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) in August 2020, indicating the agency's refusal to approve the application in its current form.[46] Following resubmissions, another CRL was anticipated in late 2021.[46] Finally, after a further resubmission, Pedmark® was granted FDA approval on September 20, 2022.[5] This challenging process underscores the high bar set by the FDA for manufacturing controls, purity, and clinical data, even for a known substance. The application benefited from Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations, which are intended to facilitate the development of drugs for serious conditions and rare diseases.[5]
A crucial post-approval development occurred in early 2024 when the FDA issued a safety communication explicitly warning healthcare providers that Pedmark® is not substitutable with other Sodium Thiosulfate products.[5] This warning was based on the fact that the safety and efficacy demonstrated in the pivotal pediatric trials were specific to the Pedmark® formulation. Other generic or compounded formulations, which have not been tested for this indication, may contain impurities like potassium chloride or higher levels of boric acid, posing unevaluated risks to pediatric patients undergoing repeated infusions.[5] This regulatory action firmly establishes that the "drug product" (the final formulated medicine) is distinct from the "drug substance" (the active ingredient). The safety and efficacy are tied to the entire product, including its purity and excipients, a critical lesson for modern precision medicine.
The regulatory process in Europe followed a similar, evidence-based path. Sodium Thiosulfate, under the brand name Pedmarqsi™, was reviewed by the EMA's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). The CHMP issued a positive opinion in March 2023, recommending the drug for approval.[36] The European Commission (EC) granted the formal marketing authorisation in June 2023.[6]
The approval was granted under the Paediatric-Use Marketing Authorisation (PUMA) framework.[6] This is a specific regulatory pathway in the E.U. designed to encourage the development of medicines specifically for children by providing incentives, such as 10 years of data and market protection.[6] As with the FDA, the EMA's approval was based on the robust efficacy and safety data from the SIOPEL 6 and COG ACCL0431 clinical trials.[36] The successful approvals on both continents solidified Sodium Thiosulfate's new role as the first and only therapy authorized for preventing cisplatin-induced hearing loss in children.
The recent success of Sodium Thiosulfate in pediatric oncology has spurred further research aimed at expanding its protective benefits to other patient populations and exploring new therapeutic areas.
Clinical trials are also exploring the use of Sodium Thiosulfate in other oncological settings. One active trial is examining its role in the context of Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), a procedure used to treat cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity, such as those from ovarian or colorectal cancer.[50]
A major limitation of Sodium Thiosulfate is its lack of oral bioavailability, which necessitates intravenous administration for all systemic indications. This presents a significant barrier to its use in chronic conditions or for long-term prophylaxis. A key area for future research is therefore the development of novel formulations or prodrugs that could enable effective oral delivery. Early preclinical research into cyanide antidotes has explored orally active prodrugs of a different sulfur donor, 3-mercaptopyruvate, demonstrating that this concept is feasible.[22] Applying similar medicinal chemistry strategies to develop an orally bioavailable form of thiosulfate could dramatically expand its therapeutic potential and improve patient convenience.
Sodium Thiosulfate exemplifies the remarkable therapeutic potential that can be unlocked by applying modern scientific rigor to an established chemical compound. Its journey from an industrial commodity to a targeted, life-saving, and function-preserving medicine is a testament to the power of mechanism-based drug development. The utility of this simple inorganic salt is rooted in the fundamental chemical reactivity of the thiosulfate anion, which allows it to perform distinct pharmacological roles depending on the clinical context: as a sulfur donor in enzymatic detoxification, as a direct chemical inactivator and antioxidant, and as a powerful metal-chelating and solubilizing agent.
While its role as a cyanide antidote is a long-standing pillar of emergency medicine, its recent approval for the prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity represents a landmark achievement in pediatric supportive oncology. This development signals a crucial paradigm shift away from simply managing toxic side effects toward proactively preventing irreversible, life-altering harm. The success of this indication was built on a sophisticated understanding of both the pathophysiology of the toxicity and the pharmacology of the protective agent, culminating in a precisely timed administration protocol that preserves anti-tumor efficacy.
Based on the comprehensive evidence reviewed in this report, the following recommendations are provided for clinical practice and future research:
Published at: August 23, 2025
This report is continuously updated as new research emerges.
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