Generic
Name: Cisplatin
Brand Name: Cisplatin Injection, Platinol®
Description
Cisplatin belongs to a group of anticancer drugs known as the
platinum complexes. It is a chemotherapy agent which works by
preventing the growth of cancer cells and then destroying them.
Cisplatin may be used alone or with combination with radiation
therapy or other chemotherapy agents. It is a platinum compound that
acts as a non cell-cycle specific antineoplastic agent. By producing
links within and between DNA strands, cisplatin modifies the
structure of DNA and prevents the production of new DNA. Appearance
Cisplatin Injection is a clear, pale yellow solution.
Appearance
Cisplatin Injection is a clear, pale yellow solution.
Uses
- Cisplatin is used in the treatment of metastatic
nonseminomatous germ cell cancer, which is a type of testicular
cancer.
- Cisplatin is used in the treatment of advanced ovarian
carcinoma that has been unresponsive to other treatments.
- It is also used to treat advanced bladder carcinoma that has
been unresponsive to other treatments
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is also treated
by cisplatin.
- Cisplatin is used for the treatment of these neoplastic
conditions alone or in combination with other agents.
In short, cisplatin is used for treating many types of cancer
including head and neck, lung, bladder, ovarian, sarcoma, and
testicular cancers.
Dosage
Cisplatin is for injection or infusion into a vein. Depending upon
your laboratory results, you will be given an infusion once every 3
to 4 weeks. The injection may also be given directly into your
abdomen. During this process, it is infused into your abdomen and
then drained out after 2 to 4 hours. There is the need to change
positions frequently so that the cisplatin reaches the tumor. This
treatment is given every 3 to 4 weeks. Special care may be needed in
case of children.
For a single agent therapy
- In a single intravenous infusion over 6-8 hours every 3-4
weeks (50-100mg/m2).
- In a slow intravenous infusion daily for 5 days, every 3-4
weeks (15-20mg/m2).
Dosages should be reduced in patients with depressed bone
marrow function
Combination therapy
Cisplatin can be used in combination with the following agents:
- Ovarian cancer: cyclophosphamide, hexamethylmelamine,
doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil
- Testicular cancer: bleomycin, vinblastine,
actinomycin
- Cancers of neck and head: methotrexate, bleomycin
Safety tips
- It is very essential to have adequate hydration prior to,
during and after therapy.
- The required dose should be added to normal saline (about 1
liter) and infused over the required time.
- Should not be used on pregnant women.
- Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to cisplatin,
carboplatin, or other drugs containing platinum or to any of the
ingredients given at the end of the leaflet inside your packet
- Your doctor should also know if you have kidney disease or
poor kidney function.
Common side effects
The side effects that are common with cisplatin therapy depend upon
the dose, other types of radiation or chemotherapy therapy given,
and the disease being treated. Not necessary that all patients will
face the same side effects. Some common side effects are as follows:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bone marrow suppression
- Tinnitus with or without hearing loss
- Unusual muscle contractions
- Muscle weakness syndrome
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- Kidney toxicity
- Mild hair loss
- Cramps
- Muscle irritability
- Tremor
- Seizures
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Other uncommon effects include:
- Hiccups
- Blurred vision
- Altered color perception
- Change in liver enzymes
Disclaimer: The above information is for general
understanding of the visitor. Please consult a registered medical
practitioner before taking the aforesaid medicine.
