Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Cisplatin 1

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy agent that forms DNA crosslinks, preventing DNA replication and transcription in cancer cells.

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy agent that forms DNA crosslinks, preventing DNA replication and transcription in cancer cells. Used for Various solid tumors (specific indications depend on formulation and trial design).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Cisplatin binds to DNA and forms intrastrand and interstrand crosslinks, which distort the DNA helix and block replication and transcription machinery. This leads to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. The drug is non-cell-cycle specific and has been a cornerstone of cancer chemotherapy for decades.

Approved indications

• Various solid tumors (specific indications depend on formulation and trial design)

Common side effects

• Nephrotoxicity
• Ototoxicity
• Nausea and vomiting
• Myelosuppression
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Electrolyte abnormalities

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)
• Novel Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Relapsed and Refractory Aggressive B-Cell Lymphoma (PHASE2)
• Study BT8009-230 in Participants With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Cancer (Duravelo-2) (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• 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)
• Dinutuximab With Chemotherapy, Surgery and Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Children With Newly Diagnosed High Risk Neuroblastoma (PHASE3)
• Durvalumab With Gemcitabine and Cisplatin for the Treatment of High-Risk Resectable Liver Cancer Before Surgery (PHASE2)
• 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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