What is Cisplatin?
Cisplatin (commonly sold under the trade name Platinol or CDDP) is a chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of various cancers like testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer such as throat cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma etc. Cisplatin contains platinum (Platinum Analog), and is used either as a single drug or in a combination with other platinum-based compounds. In head and neck cancers. Cisplatin is most commonly used as radiosensitizer along with radiation (Concurrent chemotherapy)
Availability, dosage and administration of Cisplatin
Cisplatin (Platinol) is available in vial form only and administered as an intravenous injection. Each cisplatin (Platinol) vial contains white or light yellow lyophilized powder, which is made up of 50 mg cisplatin, 450 mg sodium chloride, USP, and 500 mg mannitol, USP
The dosage of cisplatin depends on:
- The type of disease being treated (testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma
- Whether Cisplatin is being used as an adjuvant/neoadjuvant/systemic therapy
Side effects of Cisplatin
The most common side effects of Cisplatin are:
- Nausea and vomiting- it is highly Emetogenic drug
- Low blood counts called Myelosuppression
- Kidney toxicity (reversible and temporary side effect)- it is the dose limiting side effect. Patient should be monitored with renal function tests while on treatment
- Loss of hearing and ringing in the ears- Ototoxicity. It is generally transient
- Temporary numbness of skin
- Loss of appetite
- Hair loss is uncommon or very rare in chemotherapy treatments featuring Cisplatin but can occur
Precautions to be taken while using Cisplatin
- Discuss all current prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements with your doctor before starting a Cisplatin regimen
- The drug is not given in patients who are hypersensitive to platinum compounds
- Discuss the potential side effects of Cisplatin on your general health before initiating treatment
- Women should not breastfeed while on a Cisplatin regimen
- Cisplatin may affect fertility in both men and women. Aspiring parents should consult a doctor in this regard before beginning treatment
