The short answer
Cisplatin is a type of chemotherapy (a platinum drug). It contains platinum that binds to and damages the DNA inside cancer cells, so they can no longer copy themselves and they die. It is used to help treat bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, and other cancers, and is usually given as an IV infusion. Like all cancer medicines it can cause side effects; this page explains the common ones and the warning signs to report. It is educational only and not a substitute for your care team's advice.
Cisplatin is the generic name of this medicine.
It is a type of chemotherapy (a platinum drug) — it contains platinum that binds to and damages the DNA inside cancer cells, so they can no longer copy themselves and they die.
It is used to help treat bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, and many other cancers.
It is usually given as an IV infusion.
Choose how you want to understand this
The full explanation.
What it is
Cisplatin is a cancer medicine. It is a type of chemotherapy called an alkylating agent (a platinum drug). In plain terms, it contains platinum that binds to and damages the DNA inside cancer cells, so they can no longer copy themselves and they die. This page is a general explainer based on the National Cancer Institute's drug information; it does not replace the specific instructions your own care team gives you.
What cancers it treats
According to the National Cancer Institute, cisplatin is approved to help treat bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, and many other cancers. It may be used on its own or together with other treatments, depending on the situation. Whether it is the right choice for a particular person depends on the cancer type, its stage, test results such as biomarkers, and other treatments already tried. Your oncology team can explain why it was chosen for your situation.
How it's given
As an IV infusion. It is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion — a slow drip into a vein — at a clinic or hospital, usually repeated on a schedule of cycles with rest periods in between. How much, how often, and for how long vary from person to person, so follow the exact schedule your care team gives you. If you miss an appointment or a dose, ask your team what to do rather than changing anything yourself.
Common side effects
Not everyone gets the same side effects, and some people have only mild ones. With cisplatin, commonly reported effects include nausea and vomiting, low blood counts, tiredness, kidney effects, and ringing in the ears or hearing changes. Many of these can be eased with supportive care. Tell your care team if you notice anything new, if a side effect is getting worse, or if it is making everyday life hard — they can often help, and knowing early usually makes problems easier to manage. Side effects do not tell you whether the medicine is working.
Serious warning signs
Some problems need prompt attention. Contact your care team right away (or use the emergency number they give you) if you notice a fever or other signs of infection, unusual bruising or bleeding, severe or non-stop vomiting or diarrhea, and a rash or swelling that could be an allergic reaction. This is not a complete list, and it cannot tell you whether your own situation is an emergency — that is exactly why your team gives you personal instructions and a number to call. When in doubt, it is always reasonable to check in with them.
The bottom line
Cisplatin is one of many tools used in cancer care. Understanding what it is, how it is given, and what to watch for can make treatment feel less overwhelming and help you speak up early about side effects. Keep a simple list of anything you notice, bring your questions to appointments, and remember that your care team — not a website — is the right source for decisions about your treatment.
Words to know
Tap any term to see what it means.
Common questions
▸What is Cisplatin?
Cisplatin is a type of chemotherapy (a platinum drug). It contains platinum that binds to and damages the DNA inside cancer cells, so they can no longer copy themselves and they die. It is used to help treat bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, and many other cancers.
▸How is Cisplatin given?
It is usually given as an IV infusion. It is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion — a slow drip into a vein — at a clinic or hospital, usually repeated on a schedule of cycles with rest periods in between. The exact schedule is set by your care team.
▸What are the common side effects of Cisplatin?
Commonly reported side effects include nausea and vomiting, low blood counts, tiredness, kidney effects, and ringing in the ears or hearing changes. Not everyone gets them, and many can be managed. Tell your care team about anything new or worsening.
▸Does Cisplatin cure cancer?
That depends on the person, the cancer type, and its stage. For some people a medicine like this can control cancer for a long time or be part of a curative plan; for others the goal is to slow the cancer or ease symptoms. Your care team can explain the goal in your situation.
Questions to ask your doctor
Being prepared helps you get the most out of your appointments. Save or print these questions.
Tap a question to save it to your list (kept on this device).
Test your knowledge
0 of 3 answered
This quiz checks understanding of educational content only. It is not medical advice. Open this quiz on its own page.
How this page was created
Cancer Explained uses AI to organize and translate information from the authoritative sources cited on each page. Automated checks review claims, citations, clarity, duplication, and potential safety concerns before publication. Our content is not currently reviewed by physicians unless a specific qualified reviewer is named on the page. Cancer Explained provides general education and should not replace advice from your healthcare team.
Editorial status: Editorial review complete — This page completed Cancer Explained's editorial checks (sources, safety, plain language, duplication). It has not been reviewed by a physician or other healthcare professional.
Human medical review: not completed. At this time, most Cancer Explained content has not been reviewed by a physician or other healthcare professional. Pages with documented human medical review identify the reviewer, credentials, and review date directly.
Read more about our editorial process, our use of AI, and our corrections policy.
Spotted a problem? Report an error — a factual mistake, broken or outdated source, confusing wording, or anything that seems unsafe. Please do not include names, medical record numbers, dates of birth, addresses, or other identifying medical information in your report.
After using this page, do you understand what to do next?
Anonymous — we only record the answer, never who gave it.