Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Chemotherapy (Cisplatin)

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy agent that forms DNA crosslinks, preventing DNA replication and transcription, thereby inducing cancer cell death.

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy agent that forms DNA crosslinks, preventing DNA replication and transcription, thereby inducing cancer cell death. Used for Metastatic testicular cancer, Ovarian cancer, Bladder cancer.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Cisplatin binds to DNA and forms intrastrand and interstrand crosslinks, which distort the DNA helix and block DNA synthesis and repair mechanisms. This leads to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. The drug is non-cell-cycle specific but most effective against cells in S and G2 phases.

Approved indications

• Metastatic testicular cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Lung cancer
• Gastric cancer

Common side effects

• Nephrotoxicity
• Ototoxicity
• Nausea and vomiting
• Myelosuppression
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Electrolyte abnormalities (hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia)
• Anemia

Key clinical trials

• Testing the Addition of a New Anti-Cancer Drug, Triapine, to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment (Cisplatin) During Radiation Therapy for Advanced-stage Cervical and Vaginal Cancers (PHASE3)
• Testing the Addition of an Anti-cancer Drug, BAY 1895344, to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment (Cisplatin, or Cisplatin and Gemcitabine) for Advanced Solid Tumors With Emphasis on Urothelial Cancer (PHASE1)
• Study BT8009-230 in Participants With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Cancer (Duravelo-2) (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• Becotatug Vedotin for LA-NPC With a Suboptimal Response to Induction Chemotherapy Combined With Immunotherapy (PHASE2)
• Phase II Trial of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NAC) Alone or in Combination With Immunotherapy Vaccine PRGN-2009 in Subjects With Newly Diagnosed HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal (Head and Neck) Cancer (PHASE2)
• Durvalumab as Consolidation for Patients LS-SCLC (PHASE2)
• Dinutuximab With Chemotherapy, Surgery and Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Children With Newly Diagnosed High Risk Neuroblastoma (PHASE3)
• A Study to Test the Addition of the Drug Cabozantinib to Chemotherapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Osteosarcoma (PHASE2, PHASE3)

Primary sources

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