Cisplatin Side Effects & Uses: Intravenous Route Impact Explained

Intravenous Cisplatin: Key Side Effects & Uses Patients Must Know

If you've been told you'll receive cisplatin as part of your cancer treatment, you probably have questions. What exactly is this drug? How will it affect you? What should you expect?

What is cisplatin?

How does cisplatin work?

Cisplatin kills cancer cells by damaging their DNA. It binds to DNA strands within cells, creating cross-links that prevent cancer cells from dividing and growing.

Why is cisplatin given through the intravenous route?

Cisplatin must be administered intravenously (directly into a vein) for several important reasons:

• •Absorption
  Oral administration would result in poor and unpredictable absorption from the digestive system
• •Stability
  The drug remains stable in IV solution but would be degraded by stomach acids
• •Controlled dosing
  IV delivery allows precise dose control, which is critical because cisplatin has a narrow therapeutic window
• •Immediate action
  IV administration ensures the drug reaches the bloodstream quickly and begins working immediately

Cisplatin injection side effects begin once the drug enters your bloodstream and travels throughout your body, which is why understanding what to expect matters.

Uses and benefits of cisplatin

Cisplatin uses span a wide range of cancer types. The drug is considered essential medicine by the World Health Organization for its proven effectiveness.

Uses of cisplatin include treatment of:

• •Testicular cancer
  Cisplatin-based regimens cure over 90% of testicular cancers, even when metastatic
• •Ovarian cancer
  First-line treatment in combination with other drugs
• •Bladder cancer
  Both early and advanced stages
• •Lung cancer
  Both small cell and non-small cell types
• •Head and neck cancers
  Often combined with radiotherapy for enhanced effectiveness
• •Cervical cancer
  Standard treatment, particularly with radiation
• •Oesophageal and stomach cancers
  Usually in combination protocols
• •Mesothelioma
  Part of standard treatment regimens

Research published in The Lancet Oncology confirms that cisplatin remains irreplaceable for certain cancers, particularly testicular cancer, where it has transformed a previously fatal disease into one with excellent cure rates.

Benefits of cisplatin:

Cisplatin uses offer significant benefits:

• •Proven track record
  Over 50 years of clinical use
• •Effective
  Against multiple cancer types
• •Can be curative
  Not just life-extending
• •Synergistic
  Works synergistically with radiation therapy
• •Well-established
  Well-established dosing protocols and safety monitoring

Common cisplatin side effects

What are the side effects of cisplatin? Most patients experience some side effects, though the severity varies significantly between individuals.

When do cisplatin side effects start? Most side effects begin within hours to days after infusion.

Common cisplatin drug side effects include:

• •Nausea and vomiting
  Among the most common side effects of cisplatin chemotherapy. Cisplatin is classified as highly emetogenic (causes significant nausea). Modern anti-nausea medications have greatly improved this.
• •Kidney effects
  Cisplatin is cleared through the kidneys and can cause damage. This is why you'll receive extensive IV fluids before and after each dose. Regular blood tests monitor kidney function throughout treatment.
• •Diarrhoea and appetite loss
  Digestive upset is common. Many patients experience reduced appetite, taste changes, and bowel changes during treatment.
• •Fatigue
  Extreme tiredness affecting most patients, often worsening with each treatment cycle.
• •Low blood counts
  Cisplatin can suppress bone marrow, reducing white blood cells (infection risk), red blood cells (anaemia), and platelets (bleeding risk).
• •Electrolyte imbalances
  Particularly low magnesium and potassium levels, requiring monitoring and supplements.

Cisplatin side effects hair loss does occur, but is typically less severe than with some other chemotherapy drugs. Hair thinning is more common than complete hair loss. Hair usually regrows after treatment completion.

Serious and adverse effects of cisplatin

Cisplatin adverse effects can be serious. Understanding these helps you recognise warning signs requiring immediate medical attention.

Cisplatin side effects hearing loss (ototoxicity):

Risk increases with higher cumulative doses. Report any ringing in ears (tinnitus), muffled hearing, or difficulty understanding speech immediately.

Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy):

Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in hands and feet. This long term side effects of cisplatin chemotherapy can persist months or years after treatment ends. About 50% of patients experience some degree of neuropathy.

Severe kidney damage (nephrotoxicity):

Without proper hydration protocols, cisplatin can cause serious kidney injury. Your team monitors creatinine levels carefully. Stay well-hydrated as instructed.

Cisplatin cardiac side effects:

Less common but documented. May include arrhythmias, heart failure (rare), or blood clot risk. Patients with pre-existing heart conditions require careful monitoring.

Cisplatin side effects long term:

Long term side effects of cisplatin chemotherapy can persist after treatment:

• •Permanent hearing changes
• •Ongoing peripheral neuropathy
• •Potential fertility effects
• •Rare secondary cancers
  (very low risk)
• •Kidney function changes

While most late effects stabilise over time, some patients experience permanent changes that require ongoing management.

Low dose cisplatin side effects:

How to manage and reduce side effects of cisplatin

Cisplatin side effects are significant, but many strategies help reduce their impact.

Before treatment:

• •Stay hydrated
  Drink 2-3 litres of fluids the day before treatment
• •Eat well
  Build nutritional reserves before starting chemotherapy
• •Rest adequately
  Start treatment well-rested
• •Prepare anti-nausea medications
  Have prescriptions filled and ready

During treatment:

• •IV hydration
  You'll receive substantial IV fluids. This is critical for kidney protection - don't try to shorten infusion time
• •Anti-emetics
  Take all prescribed anti-nausea medications, even if you feel fine initially
• •Communicate
  Report any symptoms immediately to your nursing team

After treatment:

• •Continue hydration
  Drink at least 2-3 litres daily for several days after treatment
• •Monitor yourself
  Watch for fever, severe vomiting, signs of infection
• •Manage nausea
  Eat small, frequent meals. Ginger tea, bland foods, and cold foods often work better
• •Rest
  Allow your body recovery time

Managing specific side effects

• •For nausea
  Take anti-emetics as scheduled, not just when you feel sick. Avoid strong smells. Eat cold or room-temperature foods.
• •For fatigue
  Balance rest with gentle activity. Short walks help more than complete bed rest.
• •For neuropathy
  Report symptoms early. Dose adjustments may prevent worsening. Avoid extreme temperatures.
• •For hearing changes
  Report immediately. Baseline and periodic hearing tests help monitor changes.
• •Supplements and supportive care
  Your team may prescribe magnesium and potassium supplements to replace what cisplatin depletes.

Final thoughts on cisplatin side effects

Communicate openly with your team about how you're feeling. Side effects are manageable when addressed promptly.