Mesothelioma TreatmentChemotherapy
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
