cisplatin or carboplatin

This entry refers to the use of either cisplatin or carboplatin, two distinct but related platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents. Both drugs are widely used in the treatment of various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), ovarian cancer, and others. They function as DNA crosslinking agents that inhibit DNA synthesis and function by forming platinum-DNA adducts, leading to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells. While their mechanisms of action are similar—both bind to and cause crosslinking of DNA—their toxicity profiles differ. Cisplatin is more commonly associated with nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting; carboplatin tends to cause more myelosuppression (notably thrombocytopenia and anemia). Clinical studies have shown that both drugs offer comparable efficacy for many indications but may be chosen based on patient comorbidities or risk factors for specific toxicities[1][4][5].

Brand names

PlatinolPlatinol-AQParaplatinNeoplatinNiscarboOncocarbinTevacarbWomastin

Other names

cisplatin or carboplatin