Platinum-based drugs are a class of chemotherapy drugs derived from the element platinum that are used to treat advanced cancers like colon, lung, and ovarian cancer. They work by binding to DNA or RNA. Cisplatin is the most commonly used but has significant side effects, while carboplatin and oxaliplatin have reduced side effects but different drawbacks. Platinum-based drugs can significantly increase cure rates for cancers like colon cancer but their use is limited by side effects.

1. Platinum-based cancer
treatment

2. Overview
Platinum based therapy refers to a specific class chemotherapy drugs that are derived from the
element platinum.
There are three major platinum based cancer treatment drugs
These drugs are used to treat advanced forms of a variety of cancers including colon, lung,
ovarian, head and neck cancers.

3. General structural features
Coordination compound having Platinum as central metal present in +2 or +4 oxidation state.
The two amine ligands in the Pt-compound are in a cis-orientation.
The two possible general formulas are:
cis—Pt(II)X2(Am)2
cis—Pt(IV)X2Y2(Am)2

4. Mechanism of action
Platinum based drugs act by binding to guanine base of DNA or RNA.

5. Cisplatin
Cisplatin is synthesized from potassium tetrachloroplatinate.
Cisplatin has a number of side-effects that can limit its use including kidney damage, nerve
damage, nausea and vomiting.

6. Carboplatin
The side effects of carboplatin is much reduced as compared to cisplatin, so it is preferred.
The main drawback of carboplatin is that it causes blood cell and platelet output of bone
marrow to reduce significantly.

7. Oxaliplatin
Side-effects include nerve damage, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.

8. Conclusion
Platinum based anti-cancer drugs are very effective against advanced cancer forms.
In case of colon cancer, use of cisplatin increased cure rate from 10% to 85%.
However side-effects limit their use.