Cisplatin Injection

• Type: Chemotherapy medication

• Drug Class: Platinum-based antineoplastic (alkylating-like agent)

• Form: Sterile solution for intravenous (IV) infusion

How It Works

• Cisplatin works by binding to DNA inside cancer cells and forming cross-links.

• This prevents the DNA from replicating and dividing, which leads to cell death.

• It is most effective against rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Common Uses

Cisplatin is used to treat several types of cancer, including:

• Testicular cancer (often part of combination therapy, very high cure rates)

• Ovarian cancer

• Bladder cancer

• Lung cancer (small cell and non-small cell)

• Head and neck cancers

• Cervical cancer

• Other solid tumors as part of chemotherapy regimens

Advantages

• Highly effective against certain cancers, especially testicular cancer

• Often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs for better outcomes

• Can shrink tumors before surgery or radiation (neoadjuvant use) or after (adjuvant use)

Possible Side Effects

Cisplatin has important side effects, so it must be given under close medical supervision:

• Kidney toxicity (nephrotoxicity – requires IV hydration before/after dose)

• Nausea and vomiting (can be severe, but controlled with antiemetics)

• Hearing loss (ototoxicity – ringing in ears or reduced hearing, especially at high doses)

• Bone marrow suppression (low white cells, platelets, anemia)

• Nerve damage (numbness, tingling in hands/feet – peripheral neuropathy)

• Low magnesium, potassium, or calcium levels

• Hair loss (milder compared to some other chemo drugs)

Precautions

• Kidney function must be checked before and during treatment

• Adequate IV hydration is essential to protect the kidneys

• Hearing tests may be done in patients receiving multiple cycles

• Blood counts monitored regularly to detect bone marrow suppression

• Use with caution in patients with pre-existing kidney, hearing, or nerve problems