Platinum Compounds

Summary

Platinum compounds include the drugs cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin.

These drugs act as alkylating-like agents, which cross-link DNA strands to disrupt cancer cell replication. Since they are cell cycle non-specific, they can kill cancer cells in all phases of the cell cycle.

Clinically, platinum compounds are used to treat solid tumors. They can also be used to treat some cases of lymphoma.

Platinum compounds come with significant side effects, including nephrotoxicity, which can manifest as Acute Tubular Necrosis or Fanconi syndrome. They can also cause nerve issues like peripheral neuropathy and ototoxicity. To help prevent these side effects, the drug amifostine may be used as a protective agent.

Key Points

• Platinum Compounds
  • Drug Names
    • Cisplatin
    • Carboplatin
    • Oxaliplatin
  • Mechanism
    • Cross-links DNA
      • Alkylating-like agent
    • Cell cycle non-specific (targets all phases)
  • Clinical Use
    • Treats solid tumors
      • e.g. testicular, urothelial (bladder), ovarian, lung, esophageal, head and neck, colorectal cancers
    • Treats lymphomas
  • Side Effects
    • Nephrotoxicity
      • Fanconi syndrome
      • Acute tubular necrosis
    • Ototoxicity
      • Can cause sensorineural hearing loss and deafness
    • Peripheral neuropathy
    • Prevent side effects with amifostine (and IV saline diuresis)
      • Amifostine is a free radical scavenger
      • Does not appear to interfere with chemotherapeutic effect, but is nephroprotective and may also be neuroprotective