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Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer)

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) is a Platinum-based chemotherapy agent Small molecule drug developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced cancers (head and neck, cervical, lung, esophageal). Also known as: Platinol®, Platinol®-AQ.

Cisplatin acts as a radiosensitizer by forming DNA adducts that enhance the cytotoxic effects of ionizing radiation, making cancer cells more susceptible to radiation-induced damage.

Cisplatin acts as a radiosensitizer by forming DNA adducts that enhance the cytotoxic effects of ionizing radiation, making cancer cells more susceptible to radiation-induced damage. Used for Concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced cancers (head and neck, cervical, lung, esophageal).

At a glance

Generic nameCisplatin (as radiosensitizer)
Also known asPlatinol®, Platinol®-AQ
SponsorMerck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Drug classPlatinum-based chemotherapy agent
TargetDNA
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy agent that binds to DNA and creates interstrand and intrastrand crosslinks. When combined with radiation therapy, these DNA lesions become more difficult for cells to repair, significantly enhancing radiation-induced cell death. This synergistic effect makes cisplatin an effective radiosensitizing agent in concurrent chemoradiation regimens.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer)

What is Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer)?

Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) is a Platinum-based chemotherapy agent drug developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, indicated for Concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced cancers (head and neck, cervical, lung, esophageal).

How does Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) work?

Cisplatin acts as a radiosensitizer by forming DNA adducts that enhance the cytotoxic effects of ionizing radiation, making cancer cells more susceptible to radiation-induced damage.

What is Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) used for?

Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) is indicated for Concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced cancers (head and neck, cervical, lung, esophageal).

Who makes Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer)?

Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) is developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC (see full Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC pipeline at /company/merck).

Is Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) also known as anything else?

Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) is also known as Platinol®, Platinol®-AQ.

What drug class is Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) in?

Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) belongs to the Platinum-based chemotherapy agent class. See all Platinum-based chemotherapy agent drugs at /class/platinum-based-chemotherapy-agent.

What development phase is Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) in?

Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer)?

Common side effects of Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) include Nephrotoxicity, Ototoxicity, Nausea and vomiting, Myelosuppression, Peripheral neuropathy, Electrolyte abnormalities (hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia).

What does Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) target?

Cisplatin (as radiosensitizer) targets DNA and is a Platinum-based chemotherapy agent.

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