Platinol

Platinol (also known as Cisplatin) is a chemotherapy medication used to treat various types of cancers, including testicular, ovarian, bladder, stomach, and lung cancers. It is typically administered intravenously.

History

Platinol was first synthesized in 1845, but its potential as a cancer treatment was not discovered until the 1960s. The drug was approved by the FDA in 1978.

Mechanism of Action

Platinol works by interfering with the DNA in cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. It forms a platinum complex inside the cell which binds to DNA and causes the DNA structure to distort. This distortion damages the DNA and triggers the cell's death.

Side Effects

Like all chemotherapy drugs, Platinol can cause side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and changes in taste. More serious side effects can include kidney damage, hearing loss, and a decrease in blood cells.

Resistance

Some cancers can become resistant to Platinol. This resistance can occur because the cancer cells are able to repair the DNA damage caused by the drug, or because they can remove the drug from the cell before it can cause damage.

See Also

• Chemotherapy
• Cancer
• DNA
• Food and Drug Administration