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

Kidney toxicity
Mild hair loss
Cramps
Muscle irritability
Tremor
Seizures

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.