Platinum-based agents in oncology and strategies for tumor suppression

Abstract

The discovery of the anticancer properties of platinum derivatives by Rosenberg represents a notable progression in the development of chemotherapeutic approaches for tumor management. In 1978, cisplatin was the first platinum-based drug to gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of testicular cancer, along with advanced ovarian and bladder cancer. Platinum-based drugs, including cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, are widely employed in chemotherapy for cancer treatment. Cisplatin is widely used in the treatment of solid tumors, such as those found in the bladder, ovarian, lung, gastric, breast, cervical, and head and neck areas. Platinum-based drugs engage with cancer cells through interactions with DNA, resulting in alterations to the double helix structure. This interaction interferes with the mechanisms of DNA transcription and replication, leading to the eventual induction of cell apoptosis. The effectiveness of anticancer treatment using platinum-based medications is regrettably limited by the development of resistance. The negative consequences linked to platinum-based medications include issues with selectivity, considerable systemic toxicity, and the emergence of drug resistance, in addition to nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, myelosuppression, and peripheral neurotoxicity. As a result, to tackle the resistance and toxic effects, alternative platinum derivatives are utilized, taking advantage of progress in nanotechnology and chemical synthesis. Nanodrugs that contain platinum, such as platinum nanoclusters, demonstrate novel anti-cancer mechanisms and are employed in the treatment of different cancer types.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788198471956.2025.64-73