Cisplatin

Cisplatin is a chemotherapy medicine used for many cancers. It is a platinum-based drug that damages cancer cell DNA. You receive it by IV infusion, often with other medicines to help prevent nausea and protect your kidneys.

Brand Name(s)

Kemoplat [DSC] (U.S.)
Generic cisplatin injection products are widely used.

Warning(s)

Kidney problems: This drug can injure the kidneys, sometimes leading to kidney failure. Staying well hydrated and regular blood and urine tests are important before, during, and after treatment.
Nerve problems: Numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands or feet can happen and may get worse with more cycles. These changes may not fully go back to normal.
Severe nausea and vomiting: You will usually get anti-nausea medicines to help with this.
Low blood counts: Your bone marrow may make fewer white cells, red cells, and platelets. This raises the risk of infections, anemia, and bleeding. Some infections have been severe or even life-threatening.
Hearing problems: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss can occur. Hearing tests are often done before and during treatment.
Eye problems: Changes in vision, including rare loss of eyesight, have been reported.
Allergic reactions: Serious reactions can happen. Tell your team right away if you have trouble breathing, wheezing, rash, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Leakage outside the vein: If the drug leaks from the IV, it can damage nearby tissue. Report burning, pain, redness, swelling, blisters, or fluid leakage at the IV site right away.
Secondary cancers: A type of leukemia has rarely occurred after treatment.
Pregnancy and fertility: Cisplatin can harm an unborn baby. A pregnancy test is done before starting. Use effective birth control during treatment and for some time after; your care team will tell you how long. Do not breastfeed while on this drug. Cisplatin may affect fertility or cause earlier menopause.
Higher risk groups: Older adults and children may have a higher risk of certain side effects.
Vaccines and infections: Some vaccines may not work as well and certain live vaccines may raise infection risk. Ask before getting any vaccines. Wash hands often and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Bleeding risk: You may bruise or bleed more easily. Take care to avoid injury; many people use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
Drug interactions and allergies: Tell all your health care providers about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take, and about any drug or food allergies.

Kind of Cancers It Is Used For (not a complete list)

Testicular cancer
Ovarian cancer
Bladder cancer
Non-small cell and small cell lung cancers
Head and neck cancers (squamous cell)
Cervical cancer
Esophageal and stomach (gastric) cancers
Osteosarcoma
Some pediatric and brain tumors

These are common uses but not the full list. Your oncology team chooses cisplatin based on your specific cancer type and plan.

Mechanism of Action

Cisplatin is a platinum compound that forms crosslinks within and between DNA strands.
These DNA crosslinks block cancer cells from copying and repairing their DNA, which triggers cell death.
It can affect both resting and dividing cells, but fast-growing cancer cells are more sensitive.
Cisplatin is often combined with other chemotherapy drugs or used with radiation to improve results.
It is given by IV infusion in a clinic or hospital.