cisplatin at a glance
Medicine class
Platinum-containing cytotoxic chemotherapy
How it is given
A diluted intravenous infusion administered by a specialist oncology team, with additional fluids to protect kidney function
Important monitoring
Kidney function, electrolytes, blood counts, hearing and neurological symptoms
What is cisplatin used for?
Licensed uses across the selected UK products include the following cancers. Individual product licences differ.
Advanced or metastatic testicular cancer
Advanced or metastatic ovarian cancer
Advanced or metastatic bladder cancer
Advanced or metastatic squamous-cell cancer of the head and neck
Small-cell lung cancer
Advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer
Cervical cancer, with other chemotherapy or radiotherapy
How does cisplatin work?
Cisplatin becomes reactive inside cells and binds to DNA, forming links within and between DNA strands. This disrupts DNA copying and repair, which can stop susceptible cancer cells dividing and lead to cell death.
cisplatin preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 1 mg/mL
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 1 mg/mL
How to take cisplatin
Cisplatin is not taken at home. Trained staff dilute the concentrate and give it into a vein through suitable venous access. Intravenous fluids support urine production and reduce kidney injury.
Tell the nurse immediately about burning, stinging, pain, redness or swelling near the infusion site.
Follow the treatment team's fluid instructions and report persistent sickness or difficulty drinking.
Tell the oncology team about all prescribed, non-prescribed and complementary products.
cisplatin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Feeling or being sick, reduced appetite or diarrhoea
- Tiredness, fever and increased susceptibility to infection
- Low blood-cell counts, potentially causing breathlessness, infection, bruising or bleeding
- Kidney dysfunction and changes in sodium, magnesium, potassium or calcium
- Hearing impairment or tinnitus
- Altered taste
Get urgent medical advice
- Sepsis or another severe infection
- Acute kidney injury or severe electrolyte disturbance
- Severe allergic or anaphylactic reaction
- Marked hearing loss, which can be delayed or irreversible
- Severe peripheral neuropathy, weakness or seizures
- Blood clot, pulmonary embolism or serious heart-rhythm disturbance
- Severe tissue injury if the infusion leaks outside the vein
cisplatin in pregnancy
Cisplatin can harm an unborn baby and is generally avoided during pregnancy unless specialist clinicians judge it clinically necessary. Effective contraception is required during treatment and afterwards; the specified period differs between products. Discuss pregnancy, contraception and fertility preservation with the oncology team before treatment.
cisplatin while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is contraindicated during cisplatin treatment because platinum is excreted into human milk and infant safety is uncertain. Product wording differs on when breastfeeding may restart, so obtain specialist advice.
cisplatin interactions
The oncology team should review all medicines, vaccines and supplements. Important examples include:
Aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, some cephalosporins and contrast media
May increase kidney toxicity; aminoglycosides can also increase hearing damage.
Loop diuretics
May increase hearing and kidney toxicity, particularly when renal function is impaired.
Warfarin and other oral anticoagulants
The anticoagulant response may change, so more frequent INR monitoring may be needed.
Common questions about cisplatin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why are extra fluids given with cisplatin?
Cisplatin can damage kidney tubules. Fluids support urine production and reduce renal exposure, although kidney monitoring remains essential.
Can cisplatin permanently affect hearing?
Yes. Tinnitus or hearing loss may be cumulative, delayed and sometimes irreversible. Children can be particularly susceptible.
Does cisplatin affect fertility?
It can impair ovarian function and sperm production, sometimes permanently. Discuss fertility-preservation options before treatment where relevant.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.