Cisplatin Helps In Fight Against Mesothelioma

Cisplatin (also called Platinol) is a platinum compound chemotherapy drug that acts like an alkylating agent. It is used to treat testicular and ovarian cancers that have spread. It is also used to treat several other cancers, such as mesothelioma. It is FDA approved. And it is sometimes combined with the drug Alimta to extend the life of the patient.

Cisplatin works by stopping the growth of cancer cells, causing the cell to die.

Administration is by an injection into the vein over at least 1 hour. Sometimes you will be given other medicines that will help flush the medicine out quickly through the kidneys. You will also get a salt solution by vein and medicine to prevent or stop nausea or vomiting. Before and after the medicine you should drink 2 to 3 quarts of fluid a day (an 8 oz. glass of water or fluid every hour while awake) to protect your kidneys. Your doctor will check your kidney function before giving the medicine. Your dose depends upon the type of cancer being treated, your size, and how well your kidneys are working.

Cisplatin carries many warnings. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men and women who are taking this drug need to use some kind of birth control. However, do not use oral contraceptives ("the pill") without checking with your doctor. If you think you may want to have children in the future, be aware that many chemotherapy drugs can cause sterility.

If you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer. If you are taking any other prescription or over-the counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.

While you are being treated with cisplatin , and after you stop treatment, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor's okay. Try to avoid contact with people who have recently taken the oral polio vaccine. Check with your doctor about this.

Cisplatin can also cause kidney damage. This is prevented by checking your kidney function before you receive the drug, giving you extra intravenous fluids, and asking you to drink extra fluid after the drug is given. This extra fluid helps to flush the medicine out of your system and protects your kidneys.

Cisplatin also causes your red blood cell count to decrease over a few months time. Cisplatin can lower the platelet count, which can increase your risk of bleeding. DO NOT take any aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines. Report unusual bruising, or bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, or black, tarry stools.

Possible Side Effects:

• Kidney damage
• Decreased blood levels of magnesium, potassium, and calcium
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Taste changes including metallic taste of foods
• Sensation of pins and needles in hands and/or feet caused by irritation of nerves
• Fetal changes if becoming pregnant during treatment
• Fatigue
• Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection, if given in high doses or with radiation therapy
• Decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding if given in high doses or with radiation therapy
• Loss of appetite
• Hair thinning
• Diarrhea
• Severe allergic reaction
• Hearing loss
• Difficulty walking
• Chest pain and heart attack

The content of this web site has not been prepared or endorsed by any physicians or other licensed medical or legal professionals. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical or legal advice. The purpose of this site is to provide victims and their loved ones with useful information and access to other resources.

Mesothelioma victims are encouraged to consult with their physician for medical advice and with a mesothelioma attorney for legal advice.