An Updated Insight about Toxicological Effects of Cisplatin

Abstract

One well-known chemotherapy medication is cisplatin, also known as cisplatinum or cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II). Cancers of the bladder, head and neck, lungs, ovaries, and testicles are among those that have benefited from its usage. Cancers such as lymphomas, sarcomas, germ cell tumors, and carcinomas can all be effectively treated with it. Scientists believe it triggers cell death in cancer cells by interfering with DNA repair systems, damaging DNA, and its capacity to crosslink with DNA's purine bases. Nevertheless, alternative anti-cancer medications containing platinum, such as carboplatin and oxaliplatin, have been utilized due to drug resistance and a plethora of unwanted side effects, including severe kidney problems, allergic reactions, decreased immunity to infections, gastrointestinal disorders, hemorrhage, and hearing loss, particularly in younger patients. Additionally, cisplatin-based combination therapy with other medications have been extensively researched for the purpose of reducing toxicity and overcoming drug resistance. The physicochemical features of cisplatin and related platinum-based medications are highlighted in this detailed overview, which also examines its usefulness in the treatment of various human cancers, either alone or in combination with other drugs. Its molecular mechanisms of action and its unpleasant side effects are given specific consideration.