Oxaliplatin
Introduction
Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug that is used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer and gastric cancer. It is a third-generation platinum compound that exhibits a unique mechanism of action compared to its predecessors, cisplatin and carboplatin.
History
The development of oxaliplatin began in the late 1970s as a part of the search for more effective and less toxic platinum-based chemotherapy agents. It was first synthesized by the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis and was approved for medical use in France in 1996. The FDA approved oxaliplatin for use in the United States in 2002.
Pharmacology
Oxaliplatin is a platinum compound that works by forming platinum-DNA adducts in cancer cells, which leads to DNA damage and cell death. It is unique among platinum compounds in that it also induces immunogenic cell death, which can stimulate an immune response against the cancer.
Clinical Use
Oxaliplatin is used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. It is also used in the treatment of gastric cancer and pancreatic cancer. The drug is administered intravenously, typically once every two weeks.
Side Effects
Like all chemotherapy drugs, oxaliplatin can cause side effects. The most common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, can be particularly problematic and may persist long after treatment has ended.
Research
Research into the use of oxaliplatin is ongoing, with studies investigating its use in other types of cancer, its potential role in immunotherapy, and strategies to mitigate its side effects.