Eficácia terapêutica e toxicidade da cisplatina no tratamento do câncer : uma revisão de escopo

Abstract

Cancer comprises a group of diseases characterized by molecular alterations that confer cells with abilities such as uncontrolled proliferation, evasion of cell death mechanisms, and invasive potential, representing a major global health concern. Among classical chemotherapeutic agents used in oncology, cisplatin stands out due to its high therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of several solid tumors. However, its clinical use is associated with a significant toxicity profile, which limits its application and directly impacts patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to conduct a narrative literature review on cisplatin, addressing its mechanism of action, main adverse effects, clinical management strategies, and therapeutic limitations, as well as discussing how these aspects support the development of new cancer treatment approaches. The methodology consisted of a bibliographic search in recognized scientific databases, prioritizing recent studies while including classical references essential for understanding the topic. The findings indicate that cisplatin-induced adverse effects, such as severe emesis, nephrotoxicity, and ototoxicity, are directly related to its mechanism of action based on DNA damage and oxidative stress induction, reflecting the low selectivity of traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Furthermore, factors such as pharmacogenomic variability and the development of tumor resistance contribute to treatment failure and reduced efficacy. In conclusion, although cisplatin remains a cornerstone in oncology, its toxicity profile and therapeutic limitations justify the need for rigorous clinical management and support the development of more selective and personalized anticancer therapies.