\Cisplatin is an older chemotherapeutic agent, first approved by the FDA in 1978. When used alone it has not been very helpful for patients with mesothelioma. However, when used with Alimta, it has been very useful.
It is given on a 21 day cycle. Plenty of fluids must be given along with cisplatin to prevent kidney damage. There are many medications that can interact with cisplatin, so doctors must carefully go over anything the patients may be taking and discontinue certain medications if necessary.
It causes most of the side effects and causes the same type of damage as most other chemotherapeutic agents. One of the side effects more specific to cisplatin is called a peripheral neuropathy. These means damage to nerves, which can cause tingling, burning and pain in the hands and feet. This is usually something that will go away when the drug is stopped.
Dr. Kaplan
