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Cisplatin

Cisplatin is a powerful chemotherapy drug being studied in various clinical trials for its effectiveness in treating different types of cancer. These trials aim to evaluate cisplatin’s efficacy when used alone or in combination with other drugs, as well as to determine optimal dosing strategies and potential side effects. The research spans multiple cancer types, including pancreatic, gastric, lung, and bladder cancers, among others.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Cisplatin is a powerful chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer. It is known by the chemical name cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) and sometimes referred to by the abbreviation CDDP[1]. Cisplatin has been used in cancer treatment for decades and remains an important tool in fighting many aggressive cancers.

How Cisplatin Works

Cisplatin works by damaging the DNA in cancer cells, which prevents them from dividing and growing. This eventually leads to the death of cancer cells. As a platinum-based chemotherapy drug, cisplatin is very effective at killing rapidly dividing cells like those found in tumors[2].

Cancers Treated with Cisplatin

Cisplatin is used to treat several types of cancer, including:

  • Head and neck cancers[1]
  • Cervical cancer[2]
  • Bladder cancer[3]
  • Esophageal cancer[5]

It is often combined with other chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy for maximum effectiveness in treating these aggressive cancers.

How Cisplatin is Administered

Cisplatin is typically given intravenously (through an IV) in a hospital or clinic setting. The dose and schedule can vary depending on the type of cancer and treatment plan. Some common administration methods include:

  • Weekly doses of 40 mg/m2[1]
  • Larger doses of 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks[2]
  • 60 mg/m2 combined with other chemotherapy drugs[3]

Patients usually receive cisplatin treatment in cycles, with rest periods in between to allow the body to recover.

Side Effects and Precautions

While cisplatin is effective against cancer, it can also cause significant side effects. Some common side effects include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Kidney damage
  • Hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)[4]
  • Nerve damage (neuropathy)
  • Decreased blood cell counts

To help manage these side effects, patients are often given additional medications and fluids. Doctors closely monitor kidney function and hearing throughout treatment.

Ongoing Research

Researchers continue to study ways to improve cisplatin treatment and reduce its side effects. Some current areas of research include:

  • Combining cisplatin with newer targeted therapies
  • Using cisplatin before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) in bladder cancer[3]
  • Exploring ways to protect hearing, such as intratympanic steroid injections[4]
  • Testing cisplatin in combination with other drugs for esophageal cancer[5]

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does cisplatin treatment usually last?

The duration of cisplatin treatment varies depending on the type and stage of cancer. Typically, patients receive multiple cycles of treatment over several months. Each cycle may last 3-4 weeks, with treatment given on specific days followed by a rest period.

Can cisplatin be used for all types of cancer?

While cisplatin is effective against many types of cancer, it is not used for all cancers. It is most commonly used for solid tumors, particularly those affecting the head and neck, lungs, ovaries, testicles, bladder, and cervix. Your oncologist will determine if cisplatin is appropriate for your specific type and stage of cancer.

Are there ways to reduce the risk of hearing loss from cisplatin?

Researchers are actively studying methods to protect hearing during cisplatin treatment. One approach being investigated is the use of intratympanic steroid injections, where steroids are injected directly into the middle ear to potentially protect the inner ear from damage[4]. However, this is still experimental and not yet standard practice. It’s important to discuss any concerns about hearing loss with your healthcare team.

Summary

Aspect Details
Drug Name Cisplatin (CDDP)
Type Platinum-based chemotherapy
Main Uses Head and neck, cervical, bladder, esophageal cancers
Administration Intravenous (IV), various dosing schedules
Key Side Effects Nausea, kidney damage, hearing loss, nerve damage
Current Research Combination therapies, side effect reduction, new applications

Glossary

  • Chemotherapy – The use of drugs to destroy cancer cells
  • Platinum-based – A class of chemotherapy drugs that contain platinum
  • Neoadjuvant therapy – Treatment given before the main treatment, usually to shrink a tumor
  • Intratympanic – Delivered into the middle ear
  • Tinnitus – A ringing or buzzing noise in one or both ears

Trial Sources

  • [1]: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01291095
  • [2]: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00916500
  • [3]: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03061630
  • [4]: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01285674
  • [5]: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00259402
Aspect Details
Cancer Types Studied Pancreatic, Gastric, Lung, Bladder, Esophageal, Cervical, Neuroendocrine
Common Drug Combinations Gemcitabine, Pemetrexed, Docetaxel, 5-Fluorouracil, Sorafenib, Panitumumab, Everolimus
Administration Methods Intravenous, various dosing schedules (e.g., split-dose, weekly)
Primary Outcomes Measured Progression-free survival, Overall survival, Objective response rate, Disease control rate
Secondary Outcomes Duration of response, Time to progression, Safety profile, Quality of life
Exploratory Objectives Biomarker identification, Predictive factors for efficacy/safety

FAQ

  • What is cisplatin and how does it work? Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug that works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. It is often used in combination with other drugs to treat various types of cancer.
  • What types of cancer are being studied with cisplatin in clinical trials? Clinical trials are exploring cisplatin's effectiveness in treating several cancer types, including pancreatic cancer, gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, lung cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, and cervical cancer.
  • How is cisplatin typically administered in these trials? Cisplatin is usually administered intravenously (through a vein) in cycles. The dosage and frequency can vary depending on the specific trial and cancer type being treated. Some trials are exploring different dosing strategies, such as split-dose regimens.
  • What are some common drugs combined with cisplatin in these trials? Cisplatin is often combined with other drugs in clinical trials. Some examples include gemcitabine, pemetrexed, docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil, sorafenib, panitumumab, and everolimus. The specific combinations depend on the cancer type and trial design.
  • What are researchers looking to measure in these cisplatin clinical trials? Researchers are evaluating various outcomes, including progression-free survival, overall survival, objective response rate, disease control rate, duration of response, and safety profiles. They also assess quality of life and explore potential biomarkers for treatment response.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Cisplatin

  • Study of Pembrolizumab and Cisplatin for Patients with Stage III-IVA Resectable Head and Neck Cancer

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Belgium France Germany Hungary Ireland +3

  • Study of Pembrolizumab in Patients with Esophageal Cancer Undergoing Chemoradiotherapy

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium Czechia Denmark Estonia France Germany +4

  • Study Comparing Subcutaneous Pembrolizumab with Hyaluronidase to Intravenous Pembrolizumab and Chemotherapy for First-line Treatment of Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    France Hungary Poland Romania Spain

  • Study of Tislelizumab, Gemcitabine, and Cisplatin for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma in Metabolic Complete Remission

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium Denmark The Netherlands

  • Study of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab for Patients with Stage 3 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Not Suitable for Surgery

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium France Germany Greece Ireland Italy +5

  • Study Comparing Nivolumab with Ipilimumab or Nivolumab with Chemotherapy to Chemotherapy Alone in Patients with Early Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France Italy Romania Spain

  • Study on the Effects of Volrustomig and Drug Combination for Patients with Advanced Hepatobiliary Cancer

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Italy Spain

  • Study of Pembrolizumab with Chemoradiotherapy for Patients with Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Czechia Estonia France Hungary Italy Latvia +5

  • Study of Pembrolizumab with Chemotherapy for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany

  • Study Comparing Atezolizumab and Drug Combination with Pembrolizumab and Drug Combination for Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany

Glossary

  • Cisplatin: A chemotherapy drug that works by damaging cancer cell DNA, preventing their growth and division.
  • Progression-Free Survival: The length of time during and after treatment that a patient lives with cancer without it worsening.
  • Overall Survival: The length of time from either the date of diagnosis or the start of treatment that patients are still alive.
  • Objective Response Rate: The proportion of patients whose cancer shrinks or disappears after treatment.
  • Disease Control Rate: The percentage of patients with advanced or metastatic cancer who have achieved complete response, partial response, and stable disease.
  • RECIST Criteria: Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, a standard way to measure how well a cancer patient responds to treatment.
  • Dose-Limiting Toxicity: Side effects of a drug that are severe enough to prevent an increase in dose or require a decrease in dose.
  • Maximum Tolerated Dose: The highest dose of a drug that does not cause unacceptable side effects.
  • Biomarker: A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease.
  • Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: A type of cancer that forms in cells that release hormones into the blood in response to signals from the nervous system.