Cisplatino

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Cisplatino

What is Cisplatino?

Cisplatino is a chemotherapy medication used in the treatment of various types of cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs known as platinum-based antineoplastic agents. These medications work by interfering with the DNA of rapidly dividing cells, which is a primary characteristic of cancer cells.

Mechanism of Action

The therapeutic effect of Cisplatino occurs through its interaction with DNA. Once inside the body, the drug undergoes chemical changes that allow it to bind to DNA strands. This binding creates cross-links that prevent the DNA from replicating and the cells from dividing. Because cancer cells typically divide more frequently than healthy cells, they are more susceptible to the damage caused by these platinum complexes.

Therapeutic Use

Cisplatino is utilized in oncology to address several malignant conditions. It is frequently used as a primary treatment or in combination with other therapeutic agents. Common applications include the treatment of:

  • Testicular cancer: Often used as part of a curative regimen.
  • Ovarian cancer: Frequently administered to manage advanced stages of the disease.
  • Bladder cancer: Used to reduce tumor size or manage systemic spread.
  • Head and neck cancers: Applied to various squamous cell carcinomas.
  • Lung cancer: Often included in protocols for both small cell and non-small cell lung cancers.

Administration Context

This medication is typically administered in a clinical setting by healthcare professionals. It is delivered as an intravenous infusion, often accompanied by hydration therapy to support the body during the treatment process. The specific frequency and duration of treatment cycles depend on the type of cancer being treated and the individual's overall health profile.

What side effects are possible with Cisplatino?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Cisplatino, which contains Cisplatin, is defined by specific adverse reactions that are classified by frequency, affected body system, and recognized safety constraints in official regulatory labeling.

Regulatory Classification of Adverse Reactions

The medicine is associated with severe, systemic toxicities that are often dose-related and cumulative.

Classification Adverse Reactions (System-Organ Class)
Very Common / Marked Nausea and Vomiting (Gastrointestinal Disorders)
Common / Significant Nephrotoxicity (Renal Disorders), Ototoxicity (Ear Disorders), Peripheral Neuropathy (Nervous System Disorders), Myelosuppression (Blood Disorders)

Serious Safety Concerns and Constraints

Official regulatory documents specifically highlight the risk of severe, cumulative nephrotoxicity and severe, potentially irreversible neuropathies. Serious anaphylactic-like reactions and the possibility of secondary malignancy are also documented safety concerns. Due to the cytotoxic nature of the drug, it is classified as causing fetal harm if used during pregnancy.

Safety-Related Restrictions: The use of Cisplatino is constrained in patients with pre-existing conditions, including renal impairment, myelosuppression, or significant hearing impairment. Furthermore, both nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity are explicitly classified as cumulative toxicities, meaning the severity of these effects increases with the total dose received over time. Older adults and children may exhibit a greater susceptibility to certain toxicities, such as neuropathy and hearing loss, respectively.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Cisplatino overdose information is formally documented by regulatory authorities, focusing on the acute and cumulative organ toxicities that can occur following the administration of doses greater than recommended. Documented severe manifestations include life-threatening conditions such as acute renal failure and profound myelosuppression, which significantly impacts the hematopoietic system. Additional severe outcomes include irreversible peripheral neuropathy, severe ototoxicity leading to potential deafness, and ocular toxicity. In situations consistent with high-dose exposure, regulatory reports include severe nausea, vomiting, seizures, and respiratory failure.

Accidental exposure, specifically accidental ingestion or inhalation of the solution, is a scenario that explicitly requires individuals to seek immediate medical attention, as stated in the prescribing information. Regulatory documents confirm that no specific antidote exists to reverse the effects of Cisplatino overdose. Therefore, treatment consists of mandated general supportive measures and symptomatic care. This includes procedural steps such as aggressive intravenous hydration and forced diuresis. Continuous monitoring of critical functions is required, specifically of renal function, serum electrolytes, and haematopoiesis. Official labeling notes that ototoxicity may be more pronounced in children, and elderly patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to nephrotoxicity and neuropathy.

Therapeutic Uses of Cisplatino

Cisplatino is a chemotherapy agent commonly used for managing certain types of solid tumors. It plays a role in managing systemic malignant disease. This medication is commonly used to help treat advanced cases of bladder cancer, ovarian cancer (in combination therapy or as secondary therapy), and testicular cancer that has spread.


Targeting Malignancies and Contextual Treatment

Cisplatino is commonly used in addressing conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort associated with several major solid tumors, including testicular, ovarian, bladder, lung (NSCLC and SCLC), head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, and cervical cancer. This makes the medication relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort arising from these malignancies. It is often integrated into combination therapy with other drugs and with radiation therapy, which is relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate for locally advanced tumors. This supportive approach helps address symptom clusters that may become intense, which in turn may assist with maintaining functional stability and supports overall therapeutic goals.

Quick Fact: Relevant for Managing High Systemic Burden Cisplatino is applied in settings marked by heightened systemic burden due to advanced or metastatic disease, where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed.

Regulatory References

  1. Cisplatin - NCI

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Cisplatino's eligibility profile is highly restricted by official regulatory documents, primarily due to the drug's severe cumulative toxicity to critical organs.

Contraindications (Must Not Use)

Use of Cisplatino is explicitly prohibited in patients with the following pre-existing conditions or physiological states:

  • Pre-existing Renal Impairment (kidney dysfunction). Official criteria may specify limits such as a creatinine clearance below 60 mL/min or elevated serum creatinine levels.
  • Myelosuppression (bone marrow depression) or certain generalised infections.
  • Pre-existing Hearing Impairment or known ototoxicity.
  • Hypersensitivity to Cisplatin or any other platinum-containing compound.
  • Breastfeeding women.
  • Patients in a dehydrated condition (adequate pre- and post-treatment hydration is mandatory for use).

Conditional and Restricted Use

Population / Condition Official Regulatory Restriction
Pregnancy Status Not recommended; can cause fetal harm. Females of reproductive potential must verify non-pregnancy status and use effective contraception for an extended period after treatment.
Age Older adults may be more susceptible to nephrotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy. Children (especially under 5 years) are at a higher risk for severe ototoxicity.
Neurological Status Patients with pre-existing peripheral neuropathy require special caution due to the risk of irreversible exacerbation.

These constraints confirm that Cisplatino is officially restricted to adult and, in some cases, pediatric patients who meet stringent baseline requirements for renal, auditory, and hematological function.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory information for Cisplatino strictly documents interactions categorized by chemical incompatibility, potential for additive organ toxicity, and modification of co-administered drug exposure.

Contraindicated Combinations and Procedural Restrictions

Classification Interacting Agent Official Rationale
Formal Contraindication Live Vaccines (e.g., Yellow Fever) Risk of fatal systemic illness due to Cisplatin's immunosuppressive activity.
Physical Incompatibility Metallic Aluminum Chemical reaction causes platinum precipitation and loss of Cisplatin potency.
Formal Contraindication Cidofovir Severe additive nephrotoxicity risk.

Pharmacodynamic and Exposure Interactions

Co-administration with agents known for nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics and loop diuretics, is documented to result in additive organ toxicity, increasing the risk of cumulative kidney and inner ear damage. Medicines used to mask symptoms, like certain antihistamines or phenothiazines, may officially obscure the early signs of ototoxicity, delaying detection. A regulatory caution exists regarding exposure modification: administration of Cisplatin prior to Paclitaxel infusion may reduce the clearance of Paclitaxel. Furthermore, Cisplatin's effect on renal function can reduce the elimination and potentially increase the exposure of other substances primarily cleared by the kidney.

Timing Restriction: Palifermin must not be administered within 24 hours before, during, or after Cisplatin infusion. Population Note: Regulatory labeling notes that elderly patients may be more susceptible to the neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity associated with Cisplatin.

Mechanism of Action

Mechanism of Action: DNA Adduct Formation

Cisplatino, a platinum coordination complex, enters the cell primarily via active transport mechanisms. Once inside the cytoplasm, the low intracellular chloride ion concentration promotes a process called aquation, where the chloride ligands are displaced by water molecules, activating the complex to form positively charged platinum species.

These reactive platinum species travel to the nucleus where DNA is the main biological target. The platinum atom forms covalent bonds primarily with the N7 atoms of adjacent purine bases, most often two guanine residues, creating 1,2-intrastrand cross-links.

This cross-linking severely distorts the DNA helix structure, physically blocking the movement of essential enzymes. The formation of these platinum-DNA adducts inhibits DNA replication and RNA transcription, preventing the cell from completing the synthesis phases necessary for proliferation. The irreparable damage activates DNA repair pathways and subsequent signal transduction cascades, ultimately leading to cell cycle arrest and the induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death) as a terminal consequence.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Cisplatino is Used

Cisplatino (Cisplatin) is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug that must be administered only by healthcare professionals in specialized settings. Its usage is governed by strict, multi-stage protocols.

Official Administration Guidelines

Usage Aspect Standard Requirement
Route of Administration Primarily by slow intravenous (IV) infusion. Some specific localized treatments may use intraperitoneal instillation.
Administration Setting Must be given under the close supervision of physicians experienced in the use of cytotoxic agents.
Infusion Duration Typically administered over a long period, such as 6 to 8 hours, though shorter infusions may be specified in certain regimens.

Standard Labeled Dosing and Scheduling

Cisplatino is given in treatment cycles, not continuously. The dosage is calculated based on body surface area (mg/m²):

  • Monotherapy (Single Dose): A dose between 50 to 120 mg/m² is given as a single infusion, repeated every 3 to 4 weeks.
  • Combination Therapy: Doses are typically lower, often 20 mg/m² or more, depending on the combination regimen.
  • Concurrent Use: For use with radiation, a regimen of 40 mg/m² weekly for up to six weeks is prescribed in some protocols.

Preparation and Procedural Constraints

Mandatory Hydration: Adequate pre-treatment hydration (intravenous fluid administration) is required to be initiated before the infusion begins, and hydration must be maintained for at least 24 hours afterward. The concentrate must be diluted in a suitable chloride-containing solution, such as 0.9% sodium chloride.

Threshold for Repeat Course: A new treatment cycle must not be repeated until a patient's laboratory values, including serum creatinine (e.g., below 130 µmol/L or 1.5 mg/dL) and white blood cell and platelet counts, have recovered to acceptable minimum levels.

Material Restriction: The solution must not be allowed to come into contact with metallic aluminum components in IV sets or needles, as this causes a chemical reaction and loss of drug potency.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Cisplatino


Evidence for Use in Testicular Cancer

Research has extensively examined the use of Cisplatin, often as part of a combination regimen, for patients with testicular cancer. This research includes both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and large-scale observational cohort studies, which monitored patients over defined time intervals. These studies explored outcomes related to physical discomfort and outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level in patients diagnosed with various stages of germ cell tumors.

The studies monitored measurements of long-term outcomes (Overall Survival, or OS) and time without disease progression (Progression-Free Survival, or PFS). Research highlights changes measured during the study period, and studies monitored measurements of long-term outcomes, with follow-up extending beyond five years. However, the long-term effects are not fully established beyond a certain number of years, and there is limited information for long-term outcomes that look several decades out. The results apply only to the populations studied.


Evidence for Use in Ovarian Cancer

Cisplatin was evaluated in women with newly diagnosed or recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. The main research consists of Phase III RCTs that compared different drug combinations. The studies monitored outcomes such as tumor size changes and measures like time to recurrence. The study populations focused primarily on advanced stages of the disease.

The trials monitored measurements of long-term outcomes and time without disease progression and reported how outcomes evolved in the observed populations. Findings were mixed across trials regarding the specific measurements of time to recurrence, depending on the specific drug combinations used. Comparative evidence is lacking for some of the newer therapeutic options, and follow-up durations were limited in some trials, which means that long-term effects are not fully established across all specific drug combinations or for all patient subgroups.


What Is Still Uncertain About Cisplatino Evidence

The evidence highlights what is known — and what is still uncertain. Research is ongoing to address evidence gaps. Long-term effects are not fully established for all indications, and certainty remains low for some of the less common uses or challenging patient subgroups. Findings were mixed regarding optimal dosing and scheduling in various combination therapies, suggesting further research is needed in these areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Cisplatino (FAQ)


Q: Does Cisplatino treat all types of cancer?

Cisplatino is used to treat specific types of cancer. According to the official product information, it is indicated for treating testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, and bladder cancer. A healthcare provider determines if this medication is appropriate based on the patient's specific diagnosis and official indications.


Q: Can Cisplatino be used in children?

Regulatory documents indicate that the safety and effectiveness of Cisplatino in children have not been established. Therefore, the official product information does not recommend its use for pediatric patients.


Q: What is the official route of administration for Cisplatino?

Cisplatino is officially administered by intravenous infusion. This means the medicine is slowly given directly into a vein. Official labeling specifies that administration is performed by qualified healthcare professionals in a suitable clinical setting.


Q: Are there any specific organs that Cisplatino can affect?

Official information indicates that Cisplatino can affect several organs, particularly the kidneys and the ears. Regulatory information indicates that monitoring of kidney function and hearing is a necessary component of the treatment protocol to detect and manage potential adverse effects.


Q: Can Cisplatino be used to treat small cell lung cancer (SCLC)?

Regulatory information indicates that Cisplatino is not currently approved for the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Its approved uses are specifically for testicular, ovarian, and bladder cancers. The decision to use Cisplatino must align strictly with the official regulatory indications and the healthcare team's clinical judgment.


Q: What is the active ingredient in Cisplatino?

The active ingredient in this medication is Cisplatin. This is the component that performs the intended therapeutic action against cancer cells. The product name Cisplatino refers to the form of the medicine containing this active substance.

How should Cisplatino be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Cisplatin Injection

Cisplatin Injection must be stored and handled according to specific regulatory requirements to maintain its stability and manage its status as a cytotoxic agent.


Storage Conditions

Requirement Official Rule
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature (15 C to 25 C). Do not refrigerate or freeze the vial.
Protection The product must be protected from light. Store the vial in its outer carton.
In-Use Stability Multi-dose vials are stable for 28 days protected from light after first entry. Single-use vials must have unused contents discarded immediately.
Container Rules Avoid all aluminum-containing IV equipment as the metal reacts with the medicine, causing precipitation.

Disposal and Handling

Cisplatin is classified as a hazardous, cytotoxic drug, requiring special handling. It must be kept out of the sight and reach of children. Unused product and waste materials, including contaminated items, must be disposed of according to local regulatory cytotoxic waste procedures.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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