Cisplatin (Platinol^®)

Brand Names: Platinol^®, Platinol-AQ^®

Cisplatin is used in the treatment of cancers of the testicles, ovaries and bladder.

Cisplatin is a type of chemotherapy drug. Specifically, it is part of a class of drugs known as platinum-containing compounds, which belong in the larger group of alkylating agents. Cisplatin works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.

This medication is given as an injection into a vein (intravenous). Each injection takes about 6 to 8 hours and the drug is typically given once every 3 to 4 weeks. The exact dose and regimen depends on the type of cancer being treated, how well the disease responds to treatment, and several other factors. Your doctor will determine the regimen that is best for you.

To prevent problematic interactions between cisplatin and other drugs, be sure to tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, and what other medications and supplements you are currently taking. You should also inform your doctor if you have or ever had diabetes, high blood pressure, liver tumor, liver disease, or kidney disease, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

Possible side effects of cisplatin may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Loss in ability to taste food
• Hiccups
• Dry mouth, dark urine, decreased sweating, dry skin, or other signs of dehydration

Some of cisplatin’s side effects can be serious. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Swelling, pain, redness or burning at the injection site
• Pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
• Muscle cramps
• Difficulty walking
• Feeling of an electric-like shock when bending neck forward
• Seizures
• Sudden changes in vision, including loss
• Eye pain
• Chest pain
• Fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Black and tarry stools
• Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Cisplatin may increase the risk of developing other types of cancer.

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list. Patients may experience additional effects not mentioned above.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your team of cancer experts will explain each of the side effects of cisplatin with you in detail, as well as the side effects and expectations of all other medications planned as part of your individualized treatment plan.

Cisplatin is approved by the FDA for the following:

• Treatment of metastatic testicular tumors, in combination with other chemotherapy agents, for patients previously treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy
• Treatment of metastatic ovarian tumors, in combination with chemotherapy for patients previously treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy
• Treatment of advanced bladder cancer, for advanced transitional cell disease that can no longer be treated with local treatments, such as surgery and/or radiation therapy

Cisplatin may also be used to treat some forms of cervical cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), head and neck cancer, and malignant mesothelioma.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), our integrative approach to cancer treatment works to fight your disease on all fronts and ensures that you remain at the center of everything we do. We encourage participation from both you and your family to make certain you are comfortable with all decisions made regarding your treatment.

Learn more about our whole-patient approach to cancer treatment. Contact our Oncology Information Specialists today at 1-800-615-3055 or Chat Now.