Cisplatin
Cisplatin is a cytotoxic agent for selected canine solid tumors and must never be used in cats.
Group
Platinum antineoplastic
Mechanism of Action
Forms platinum-associated DNA cross-links and inhibits replication.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer chemotherapy | Reference only | IV | 60–70 mg/m² IV every 3–4 weeks with fluid diuresis. The body-surface-area regimen is outside the calculator. | |
| Transitional or squamous cell carcinoma | Reference only | IV | 40–50 mg/m² IV every 21–28 days, with saline hydration and antiemetics. | |
| Osteosarcoma | Reference only | IV | 70 mg/m² IV every 21 days for four treatments, with saline hydration and antiemetics. | |
| Alternative carcinoma or sarcoma chemotherapy | Reference only | IV | 30–70 mg/m² IV over 20 minutes to several hours every 3–5 weeks, with saline diuresis before and after treatment. Do not substitute a carboplatin dose. | |
| Pleural effusion palliation | Reference only | PO | Intracavitary cisplatin 50 mg/m² diluted in saline to 250 mL/m² after IV saline 10 mL/kg/hour for four hours. Warm to body temperature, remove pleural fluid through a sterile catheter and instill slowly; repeat every 3–4 weeks if indicated, stopping after four treatments when resolved. Intracavitary route is not supported by the calculator. |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intralesional skin-tumor treatment | Reference only | PO | A historical emulsion uses 10 mg cisplatin powder with 1 mL water and 2 mL medical-grade sesame oil (approximately 3.3 mg/mL). Inject 1 mg/cm³ tumor volume in multiple planes 0.6–1 cm apart, including a 1–2 cm treatment margin where appropriate. Repeat every two weeks for four treatments; this is a tumor-volume procedure, not body-weight dosing. |
Indications
- Canine osteosarcoma
- Selected carcinomas and solid tumors
Contraindications
- Cats: potentially fatal pulmonary toxicosis.
- Use cautiously with renal disease.
- Significant renal impairment, marrow suppression or platinum hypersensitivity; fluid loading requires caution with heart failure.
Interactions
- Avoid other nephrotoxic agents.
Adverse effects
- Nephrotoxicity
- Severe vomiting
- Thrombocytopenia
- Potassium and magnesium depletion
Toxicity
Cats develop species-specific severe pulmonary toxicity. Kidney injury is dose-limiting in dogs.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisplatin 1 mg/mL injection | Injection | 1 mg / mL | IV |
Monitoring and Administration
Monitor renal function, electrolytes and CBC. Sodium-chloride fluid loading/diuresis and antiemetic therapy are essential parts of the chemotherapy protocol.
Administer within a complete oncology protocol and use cytotoxic handling precautions.
Check CBC, platelets, urinalysis, creatinine and electrolytes before each treatment. Cytopenia, reduced renal clearance or clinically important electrolyte/acid-base disturbance can require withholding or reducing treatment.
Do not refrigerate the described injection; discard precipitated solution. Aluminum-containing needles or equipment can form a black precipitate and must not contact cisplatin.