Cisplatin

Cisplatin (brand name: Platinol or Platinol-AQ) is a drug commonly used for treatment of bladder, testicular and ovarian cancers, but is also used for cancers of the head, neck, lung, cervix and prostate. It is also widely used in the treatment of Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Cisplatin belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents or platinum containing compounds. These medications stop or slow the growth of cancer cells in the body. Cisplatin has been in use since 1978 and was one of the first of this class of drugs to be used in treating cancer. It was considered ground breaking when it was first approved by the FDA and is still the gold standard used for comparing new medications. Many know Cisplatin from its role in Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong's fight against testicular cancer.

Cisplatin can only be administered by injection or I.V. drip under the supervision of a qualified physician.

Cisplatin slows the growth of cancer cells in the body, eventually destroying them. This same action, however, may also effect the growth of normal body cells. The advantages and risks of using Cisplatin must therefore be weighed carefully by the patient and physician. Some common side effects are severe nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, hair loss (reversible), joint pain, loss of balance, ringing in the ears, swelling of the feet or lower legs, hearing difficulties, fatigue and weakness.

Before starting on Cisplatin, the patient and physician should discuss any allergies, plans for becoming pregnant or breast feeding, recent exposure to chicken pox or herpes zoster (shingles), history of gout, kidney stones or hearing problems.

A patient taking Cisplatin has low immune resistance, so should not plan on being vaccinated during treatment and should avoid being around those with contagious illnesses.

'Cisplatin' Sources:
  1. Microdex, Inc. "Cisplatin (Systemic)", December 12, 2002. http://mayoclinic.com/drug-information/DR202143
  2. Lexi-Comp. "Cisplatin". June 2007. http://merck.com/mmpe/lexicomp/cisplatin.html
  3. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, "Drug Information: Cisplatin." April 1, 2003, MedMaster Patient Drug Information database. http://www.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a684036.html

 

 

 

 

 
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