Cisplatin
Cisplatin belongs to the group of medicines known as alkylating agents. It is used to
treat cancer of the bladder, ovaries, and testicles. It may also be used to treat other
kinds of cancer, as determined by your doctor.
Cisplatin interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed.
Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by cisplatin, other effects
will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other
effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or
years after the medicine is used.
Cisplatin is used to treat
- testicular cancer
- bladder cancer
- lung cancer
- gullet cancer
- stomach cancer
- ovarian cancers
Side effects of Cisplatin
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If it does happen it
may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for up to a few days. If the
sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other
anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective.
Your kidneys may be affected. Usually this does not cause any
symptoms, and the effect is usually mild, but if the effect is severe the kidneys can be
permanently damaged unless the treatment is stopped. For this reason your kidneys will be
checked by a blood test before each treatment. Plenty of fluid will be given into the vein
before and after the treatment to keep your kidneys working normally. You will be asked to
measure and record what you drink and the amount of urine that you pass. If necessary, you
may be given medicine to help you to pass urine. If you are asked to drink extra fluid it
is important to do this, or to let your doctor know if this is a problem, for example if
you are feeling sick.
Less common side effects of Cisplatin
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. This effect can
begin from seven days after the treatment has been given and the number of blood cells may
be at its lowest from 10-14 days after the chemotherapy. The bone marrow gradually returns
to normal within 21-28 days.
The extent to which your blood cells is reduced depends on the dose of chemotherapy you
receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your doctor
can advise you how likely it is that your blood count will be lowered by the chemotherapy.
Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is working. If
your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you have any unexplained bruising or
bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even if you have a normal temperature, contact your
doctor or the hospital straight away.
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet. This is due to the effect of
cisplatin on nerves and is known as peripheral neuropathy. You may notice that you have
difficulty doing up buttons or similar fiddly tasks. Tell your doctor if you notice any
numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. This usually improves slowly a few months
after the treatment is finished.
Changes in hearing. You may have tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and
you may lose the ability to hear some high-pitched sounds. Again this usually decreases
when the treatment ends. Tell your doctor if you notice any loss of hearing or tinnitus.
Temporary taste alterations can occur. A dietician or specialist nurse
at your hospital can give advice.
Loss of appetite.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let
your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids
if you do have diarrhoea.
Allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes
and itching, a high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, dizziness, headache,
breathlessness, anxiety and a need to pass urine. You will be monitored for any signs of
an allergic reaction during the treatment. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of
these. |