Pharmacotherapeutic options for treating adverse effects of Cisplatin chemotherapy

Introduction: Cisplatin is widely used in the treatment of several tumors such as lung, ovarian and testicular cancer with different degrees of effectiveness, and its use is burdened by some side effects.

Areas covered: This review includes the most important cisplatin side effects such as neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, nausea and vomiting. They can affect patient’s quality of life and lead to treatment interruptions with effectiveness reduction.

Expert opinion: Specific mechanisms of cisplatin-induced DNA damage and production of reactive oxygen species are the main ones responsible of toxicity. Several clinical approaches have been developed to reduce or prevent these effects with very promising results. The greatest potential for clinical practice is for amifostine, vitamin E, silymarin and NK-1 receptor antagonists.