platinalääkkeitä

Platinalääkkeitä are a class of chemotherapy drugs that contain platinum as their active component. They are widely used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including ovarian, testicular, lung, bladder, and head and neck cancers. The mechanism of action of these drugs involves binding to DNA within cancer cells, forming cross-links that disrupt DNA replication and transcription, ultimately leading to cell death.

The most common platinalääkkeitä are cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin. Cisplatin, introduced in the 1970s, was the first platinum-based chemotherapy agent and remains a cornerstone in many treatment regimens. Carboplatin, a second-generation platinum drug, was developed to have a similar efficacy to cisplatin but with a more favorable side effect profile, particularly reduced nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Oxaliplatin, a third-generation platinum drug, shows particular activity against colorectal cancer and has a distinct toxicity profile, with a higher incidence of peripheral neuropathy.

While highly effective, platinalääkkeitä are associated with significant side effects. Common adverse reactions include nausea and vomiting, which are often managed with antiemetic medications. Other potential side effects include bone marrow suppression (leading to low blood cell counts), kidney damage (nephrotoxicity), nerve damage (neurotoxicity), hearing loss (ototoxicity), and allergic reactions. The specific side effects and their severity can vary depending on the particular platinum drug used, the dosage, and the individual patient's health status. Careful monitoring by healthcare professionals is essential during treatment to manage these side effects and optimize patient outcomes.