Also Known As: Cisplatinum, CDDP, Platinol®
Late Effect (1st of 5)
Hearing loss, ringing in ears, dizziness
Your risk is greater if:
- You were treated when you were 4 years old or younger.
- You also received radiation to the head or neck.
- You also received other drugs that can cause hearing difficulties (e.g., Gentamicin®, diuretics).
- You have chronic ear infections.
- Your total dose was 360 mg/m².
Recommended Evaluation
- Yearly hearing test for 5 years if 10 years or less during treatment, then every 5 years
Management
- Minimize your exposure to loud noise, e.g., listening to loud music.
- If you have hearing loss, you might need a referral to hearing specialist.
- If your hearing loss is significant, you might benefit from speech and language therapy.
Late Effect (2nd of 5)
Decreased sensation or tingling in the extremities (peripheral neuropathy) with or without pain
Your risk is greater if:
- You also received vincristine.
- Your total dose was more than 300 mg/m².
Recommended Evaluation
- Neurologic exam yearly until 2-3 years after treatment ends
Management
- Physical therapy if needed
- Treatment with drugs for pain related to nerve injury
Late Effect (3rd of 5)
Kidney problems (renal toxicity)
Your risk is greater if:
- You also received other drugs (e.g., Gentamicin and amphotericin) that cause kidney problems.
- You also had radiation therapy to the abdomen.
Recommended Evaluation
- Routine blood studies including kidney function studies
- Routine electrolytes including magnesium
- Regular physical exams
Management
- You may need to take electrolyte supplements.
- You will be referred to a kidney specialist (nephrologist) if necessary.
Late Effect (4th of 5)
- Decreased or absent function of the ovaries or testicles
- Early menopause in females and decreased fertility in males and females
Your risk is greater if:
- You also received other drugs affecting the ovaries or testicles (other alkylating agents).
- You also had radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis.
- Your total dose was more than 600 mg/m².
Recommended Evaluation
- Yearly physical exam including menstrual and pregnancy history for girls and sexual function history for boys
- Hormone tests (LH, FSH, testosterone) and sperm analysis as indicated based on need
Management
- You may benefit from hormone replacement therapy; discuss it with your doctor.
- Because of the risk of early menopause, females should carefully weigh a decision to delay childbearing.
- You may need a referral to a fertility specialist.
Late Effect (5th of 5)
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Myelodysplasia (preleukemic syndromes)
Your risk is greater if:
- You also received other alkylating agents.
Recommended Evaluation
- Physical exam yearly
- Complete blood count and differential yearly for up to 15 years
- Evaluation of symptoms of fatigue, pallor, petechiae (small red rash), and bone pain
- Bone marrow evaluation if indicated
Management
- You will be referred to a medical or pediatric oncologist for treatment if you develop either condition.
