Cisplatin crystals
by Ross Bonander
Cisplatin is a platinum based cytotoxic chemotherapy drug that was discovered in 1970 on accident, as researchers were studying the effects of electrical fields on the bacteria E. coli. It is one of the great workhorses in anticancer treatments, with an extensive history and a well-understood mechanism of action and toxicity profile.
Drug profile
- Class: Platinum based atypical alkylator
- Mechanism of action: Cisplatin works by preventing DNA, RNA and protein synthesis by binding to the DNA and disrupting its function.
- Treatment type: Chemotherapy
- US approval: 1978
- Synonyms: Platinol
- FDA Use-in-Pregnancy Rating: Category D
What cisplatin is effective for and why
Like similar chemotherapeutic drugs that have been around for several decades, cisplatin has been found to have anti-tumor activity in a wide variety of cancers. These include cancers of the bladder, brain, cervix, esophagus, lung, testicles, prostate, ovaries, breasts, kidneys, liver, penis, thyroid and anus. Cisplatin is also used against head and neck cancers, non-Hodgkin lymphomas, germ cell tumors, and skin cancers like melanoma.
Cisplatin is rarely used as an individual agent; it is generally paired up with one or more chemotherapy drugs: taxanes such as docetaxel or paclitaxel or other drugs including gemcitabine, vinorelbine, irinotecan, and doxorubicin, to name a few.
Cisplatin Side effects: Overview
While each patient will have his or her own experiences with the side effects of cisplatin, it is not uncommon for patients to endure peripheral neuropathy, nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), ototoxicity (hearing damage), vascular toxicities, severe nausea and vomiting, myleosuppression, and anemia. Most of these side effects should subside when one is finished with receiving cisplatin. All patients are encouraged to report each of their side effects to their oncologist or oncology team.
Sources
- Boyiadzis, Michael M. et al. Hematology-Oncology Therapy. 2007. New York: McGraw Hill, Medical Publishing Division.
- Cancer Drug Manual, BC Cancer Agency
- Perry, Michael C, Editor. Companion Handbook to the Chemotherapy Sourcebook. 1999. Baltimore; Williams & Wilkins.
- ChemCases.com
- Drugs.com: Cisplatin
Significant studies relating to cisplatin
