Question:

Which of the following is a platinum-based drug used in the treatment of carcinoma?

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This drug is notorious for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity and is used in testicular and ovarian carcinomas.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Cisplatin
  • Methotrexate
  • Vincristine
  • Doxorubicin
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the class of platinum-based drugs.
Platinum-based compounds are a class of alkylating-like antineoplastic agents that contain a platinum atom coordinated to reactive leaving groups.

Step 2: Key platinum-based drugs.
  • Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II) -- the prototype; used in testicular carcinoma (first-line), ovarian carcinoma, head and neck cancers, cervical cancer, lung cancer, and bladder cancer
  • Carboplatin -- second generation; less nephrotoxic, used in ovarian and lung cancers
  • Oxaliplatin -- third generation; used in colorectal carcinoma (FOLFOX regimen)

Step 3: Mechanism of action.
Platinum drugs form intrastrand and interstrand crosslinks (primarily intrastrand d(GpG) crosslinks) with DNA, preventing replication and transcription, ultimately triggering apoptosis.

Step 4: Toxicity profile of cisplatin.
  • Nephrotoxicity: most serious toxicity -- prevented by aggressive saline hydration and amifostine
  • Ototoxicity: irreversible sensorineural hearing loss (high-frequency)
  • Neurotoxicity: peripheral neuropathy
  • Severe nausea and vomiting (most emetogenic chemotherapy agent)
  • Hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia

Step 5: Eliminate distractors.
Methotrexate = antifolate. Vincristine = vinca alkaloid (tubulin inhibitor). Doxorubicin = anthracycline (topoisomerase II inhibitor).

Answer: Cisplatin
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