Understanding Platinum-Based Chemotherapy: Key Points to Consider
In the fight against cancer, platinum-based chemotherapy drugs have proven to be a valuable weapon. These medications, such as Cisplatin, Carboplatin, and Oxaliplatin, target and interfere with the DNA in rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells [3].
Primarily used in treating colorectal cancer, platinum-based chemotherapy drugs are also a first-choice medication for slow-growing cancers like lymphoma, testicular cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, and sarcomas [1]. However, it's essential to note that the effectiveness of these treatments varies based on cancer type, stage, and patient factors [4].
While platinum-based chemotherapy drugs do not cause resistance like Oxaliplatin [2], they are not without their drawbacks. These treatments can affect healthy cells with a high division rate, leading to side effects such as bone marrow suppression, gastrointestinal issues, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste, hiccups, dark urine, dry mouth, decreased sweating, dehydration, dry skin, and more [6].
The long-term effects of platinum-based chemotherapy, such as carboplatin and cisplatin, in patients commonly include nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), kidney damage, hearing loss, and fatigue [1][5].
Peripheral neuropathy involves nerve pain or numbness in the fingers and toes and may continue long after treatment ends. Both carboplatin and cisplatin are known causes of this nerve damage [1][5]. Kidney damage is a notable long-term risk, especially from cisplatin, and may require preventive measures like hydration during treatment but can result in lasting impairment [5]. Hearing loss can occur, particularly with higher doses of carboplatin, and may be irreversible [1]. Fatigue is a common long-term side effect lasting for months after treatment ends and can significantly affect quality of life [2].
Other ongoing side effects include anemia, increased infection risk due to bone marrow suppression, and, less commonly, vision loss or liver problems [1][5]. These effects arise because platinum compounds not only damage cancer cells but can also harm normal cells such as nerves, kidneys, and blood-forming cells in bone marrow [7]. The severity and duration of long-term effects depend on drug type, dosage, and individual patient factors.
However, there is a silver lining. Research has shown that platinum-based chemotherapy drugs, especially oxaliplatin, cause immunogenic cell death (ICD), which triggers the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, enhancing the body's ability to eliminate cancer [8].
In summary, nerve damage, kidney impairment, hearing loss, and prolonged fatigue are among the major long-term side effects patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy may experience [1][2][5]. It's crucial for patients and their healthcare providers to discuss these potential risks and develop a treatment plan that considers both the benefits and drawbacks of platinum-based chemotherapy.
[1] Cancer Research UK. (2021). Platinum chemotherapy drugs. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/types/chemotherapy/platinum-chemotherapy-drugs
[2] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Platinum Chemotherapy Drugs: What You Need To Know. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/platinum-chemotherapy-drugs.pdf
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Platinum chemotherapy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/platinum-chemotherapy/about/pac-20395352
[4] American Cancer Society. (2021). Chemotherapy for cancer treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/types/chemotherapy.html
[5] American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2021). Chemotherapy and Other Systemic Drug Therapies for Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/chemotherapy-and-other-systemic-drug-therapies-cancer/side-effects-chemotherapy-and-other-systemic-drug-therapies
[6] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/side-effects-of-cancer-treatment.pdf
[7] National Cancer Institute. (2021). How Chemotherapy Drugs Work. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/how-chemotherapy-drugs-work
[8] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Immunogenic Cell Death. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/immunogenic-cell-death
- The medical-condition of peripheral neuropathy, involving nerve pain or numbness in the fingers and toes, is a long-term side effect of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin and carboplatin [1][5].
- Chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin, common in platinum-based therapies, can cause kidney damage, potentially leading to long-term impairment in some patients [5].
- Hearing loss is a possible long-term side effect from high doses of carboplatin, posing a concern for health-and-wellness in patients undergoing platinum-based treatments [1].
