Platinum plays a big role in fighting cancer through special drugs called platinum-based chemotherapeutics. These drugs target cancer cells by damaging their DNA, stopping them from growing and spreading.
Doctors first discovered this power by accident with cisplatin in the 1960s. It became one of the first platinum drugs to treat cancers like testicular, ovarian, lung, and bladder types. Cisplatin works by sticking to DNA inside cancer cells, forming links that twist and break the DNA strands. This kills the cells before they can divide. Today, it remains a go-to treatment, often mixed with other drugs for better results. For more on cisplatin and similar drugs, see details at https://int.livhospital.com/12-key-alkylating-agents-examples-in-chemotherapy-what-you-need-to-know/[1].
Carboplatin came next as a safer version of cisplatin. It causes fewer kidney problems but still hits DNA the same way. Doctors use it for ovarian, lung, and head and neck cancers. Both drugs can lead to side effects like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, low blood counts, and risks of infertility or second cancers later on[1].
Oxaliplatin joined the group later, found in 1976 by a Japanese chemist. It stands out with a unique structure that makes it good against cancers resistant to older platinum drugs. Mainly used for colorectal cancer, it teams up with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in a plan called FOLFOX. This combo has boosted survival rates for advanced cases. Oxaliplatin also fights gastric, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers. It forms special bonds in DNA that distort its shape, leading to cell death[3]. Learn about its history and uses at https://www.britannica.com/science/oxaliplatin[3].
These platinum drugs changed cancer care by becoming cornerstones of chemotherapy. They cross-link DNA strands, a method key to their success since cisplatin’s start[6]. PubMed covers their modern role at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41351339/?fc=None&ff=20251212214111&v=2.18.0.post22+67771e2[6].
Not all cancers respond forever, though. Platinum-resistant ovarian cancer is a big challenge. Cells fight back through changes in DNA repair, metabolism, or other paths[7]. Researchers explore fixes like antibody therapies that kill resistant cells without relying on platinum. One study used antibodies to trigger immune attacks on ovarian cancer lines, working even on resistant ones[2]. Check PubMed on resistance at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41376855/?fc=None&ff=20251211205422&v=2.18.0.post22+67771e2[7] and Nature on antibodies at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-30099-x[2].
New ideas aim to pair platinum with other options. Cannabis compounds like CBD and THC show promise against ovarian cancer cells, including platinum-resistant ones. They block cell growth, migration, and a key signaling path called PI3K/AKT/mTOR, with less harm to healthy cells. A mix of both works best in lab tests[4][5]. Frontiers news discusses this at https://www.frontiersin.org/news/2025/12/15/cannabis-derivatives-new-ovarian-cancer-treatments-frontiers-pharmacology[4] and Nutrition Insight at https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/cannabis-marijuana-cbd-thc-ovarian-cancer.html[5].
Platinum drugs keep evolving in combos to beat resistance and side effects.
Sources
https://int.livhospital.com/12-key-alkylating-agents-examples-in-chemotherapy-what-you-need-to-know/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-30099-x
https://www.britannica.com/science/oxaliplatin
https://www.frontiersin.org/news/2025/12/15/cannabis-derivatives-new-ovarian-cancer-treatments-frontiers-pharmacology
https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/cannabis-marijuana-cbd-thc-ovarian-cancer.html