Cisplatin is a chemotherapy treatment most often used to treat testicular, bladder, ovarian, lung, stomach cancers and mesothelioma. Cisplatin is in the group of medicines known as platinum containing compounds or alkylating agents. It is given intravenously and is often given in combination with other chemotherapy medicines.

Cisplatin works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and thereby destroying them. Cisplatin can also affect normal cells and therefore cause side effects. The side effects can range from mild to serious depending on each patient. They include: nausea, vomiting, damage to kidneys, trouble hearing, fatigue, reduction of production of blood cells (1. lowers the patient's immunity and therefore increases the chances of infection and 2. reduces the number of platelets and decreases the blood's ability to clot).

To reduce damage to the kidneys it is very important for patients to drink plenty of fluids and keep well hydrated. Most doctors recommend 8 to 12 glasses of liquid on the day the medicine is taken and 2 days thereafter. Other IV medication is often given to keep patients body from losing too much fluid.

Before starting Cisplatin treatment patients should discuss its effects on fertility and their ability to conceive after treatment. Patients should not receive Cisplatin if they are allergic to anything containing platinum or if the have any previous kidney or hearing problems. Women should not breast feed while taking Cisplatin as the medicine can travel through the milk to the baby. Also vaccinations should not be taken during treatment which causes patients to be immuno-compromised.