Cisplatin

The popular chemotherapy drug Cisplatin belongs to a family of drugs known as alkylating or platinum-containing agents. Cisplatin has been fighting cancer since 1978 and was the first member in its class of drugs. While it is currently widely used along with Alimta® in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, it has also traditionally been used to treat ovarian, lung, bladder, stomach, and testicular cancer.

Cisplatin works by cross-linking DNA in various ways, making it impossible for rapidly dividing cells to duplicate their DNA for mitosis. Often used with other cancer-fighting drugs, it was considered a groundbreaking drug upon its approval by the FDA.

Treatment with Cisplatin

Cisplatin is administered intravenously or, if prolonged chemotherapy is prescribed, it is given through a central line.

Side Effects

Unfortunately, like many drugs that have been on the market for more than 25 years, a host of side effects accompany treatment with Cisplatin. New drugs carry fewer side effects. However, Cisplatin is still an excellent drug and often prescribed.

Some side effects include:

• Kidney failure (nephrotoxicity) This is a major concern with cisplatin. A patients renal function will be tested before the drug is prescribed.
• Nerve damage or tingling and numbness in the extremities.
• Nausea and vomiting The severity of these two can be quite daunting with Cisplatin. Your doctor should suggest anti-nausea drugs during your course of treatment.
• Hearing loss
• Hair loss
• Reduction of white blood cells causing increased chance for infection.
• Inability to clot due to reduction in platelets
• Fatigue or weakness