Cisplatin
Cisplatin, cisplatinum or cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP) is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug used to treat mesothelioma and other forms of cancer. It was approved for use by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 1978. Cisplatin was one of the first in a series of drugs that would help revolutionize cancer treatment.
Cisplatin slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in the body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs the patient is taking, how well his/her body responds to them, and the type of cancer he/she has.
Cisplatin has been found effective in the treatment of several types of cancer. Unfortunately, cisplatin alone has been unable to achievevery good results in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma. However, combination chemotherapy treatments involving cisplatin along with Alimta has been proven effective. Together they prolong survival and slow progression,. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the combinationof Alimta and Cisplatin for mesothelioma.
How the drug is given
Cisplatin is given by an injection into the vein over at least 1 hour. The patient is sometimes given other medicines that will help flush the medicine out quickly through the kidneys. A salt solution by vein and medicine to prevent or stop nausea or vomiting are also given with cisplatin. Before and after the medicine the patient should drink 2-3 quarts of fluid a day to protect the kidneys. Kidney function is checked before giving the medicine. The dosage depends on the type of cancer being treated, the patient's size, and how well his/her kidneys are working.
Before Using Cisplatin
- Before taking cisplatin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cisplatin or any other platinum-containing compounds such as carboplatin (Paraplatin, CBDCA)..Do not take cisplatin if you are allergic to platinum containing compounds.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, includingaspirin and vitamins.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease. If you have active kidney disease you probably cannot take cisplatin.
- Cisplatin may cause sterility. Tell your doctor if you think you may want to have children in the future.
- Tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer.
- Women who are pregnant should not take cisplatin. You should not plan to have children while receiving chemotherapy or for a while after treatments. Use a reliable method of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Cisplatin may harm the fetus.
- You should not breast-feed while taking cisplatin as it passes into breast milk.
- While being treated with cisplatin, drink plenty of fluids because this drug can damage your kidneys. This precaution is especially important if you have had chemotherapy before.
- While you are being treated with cisplatin, and after you stop treatment, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor’s permission.
- Report unusual bruising, or bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, or black, tarry stools.
- Cisplatin has been associated with the development of other types of cancers. Talk with your doctor about the potential risk of developing a new cancer.
Side effects of Cisplatin
Like any chemotherapy drug, cisplatin also carries the possibility of a number of different side effects. However, most people do not experience all of the side effects. Side effects can be predicted in terms of their onset and duration.
Many side effects are possible. Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Taste changes including metallic taste of foods
- Diarrhea
- Sensation of pins and needles in hands and/or feet caused by irritation of nerves
- Thinning or brittle hair
- Loss of appetite and loss of weight
- Fatigue
Occasional side effects
- Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection, if given in high doses or with radiation therapy
- Decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding if given in high doses or with radiation therapy
- Kidney damage
- Damage to fetus, if pregnant
- Loss of fertility
There can be other rare and severe side effects. Rare side effects include:
- Severe allergic reaction
- Hearing loss
- Difficulty walking
- Chest pain and heart attack
Anna L. Kaplan, M.D.
