Platinum
Also known as: Pt, Platinum
Overview
Platinum is a naturally occurring, dense, malleable, ductile, highly unreactive, precious, silverish-white transition metal. It is found in small amounts in the Earth's crust and is often extracted from ore deposits. While not a dietary supplement, platinum compounds are critical in medical applications, particularly in chemotherapy for treating various cancers. These compounds are well-established in oncology, with robust evidence from numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews supporting their use. Platinum's high resistance to corrosion and high melting point contribute to its utility in medical treatments. Platinum compounds are administered intravenously, ensuring direct delivery to the bloodstream and high bioavailability. Their use should be guided by healthcare professionals due to potential side effects.
Benefits
Platinum-based chemotherapy has demonstrated efficacy in improving outcomes for certain cancers, such as ovarian cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. A meta-analysis showed that platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved pathological complete response (pCR) rates in triple-negative breast cancer patients (RR = 1.51, 95% CI, 1.25–1.82, *P* < 0.001). Platinum compounds may also benefit patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer, though more research is needed to confirm survival benefits. Platinum-based treatments are particularly effective in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer, where platinum-based combination therapies provided superior progression-free survival benefits compared to single-agent platinum.
How it works
Platinum compounds work by forming platinum-DNA adducts, which interfere with DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell death in rapidly dividing cancer cells. These compounds primarily interact with the DNA of cancer cells, though they can also affect normal cells, leading to side effects. The primary target is DNA, where platinum forms cross-links that inhibit DNA synthesis and function. Platinum compounds are administered intravenously, ensuring direct delivery to the bloodstream and high bioavailability.
Side effects
Platinum compounds are generally safe when used appropriately but can cause significant side effects. Common side effects (>5%) include nausea, myelosuppression (e.g., anemia, neutropenia), and nephrotoxicity. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include ototoxicity and neuropathy. Rare side effects (<1%) include severe allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. Platinum compounds can interact with other nephrotoxic drugs, increasing the risk of kidney damage. Patients with severe kidney impairment or those who have experienced severe allergic reactions to platinum compounds should avoid these treatments. Pregnant women and individuals with compromised renal function require careful monitoring.
Dosage
The dosing of platinum compounds varies by specific drug and cancer type. For example, carboplatin dosing is often based on the area under the curve (AUC) to minimize toxicity. Dosing is typically individualized based on renal function and body surface area. The maximum dose is determined by the specific treatment protocol and patient tolerance. Platinum compounds are usually administered in cycles, with intervals to allow recovery from side effects. Intravenous administration is standard. Hydration is important to reduce nephrotoxicity. Their use should be guided by healthcare professionals.
FAQs
Are platinum compounds dietary supplements?
No, platinum compounds are not dietary supplements. They are critical components in cancer treatment and should only be used under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
What are the common side effects of platinum compounds?
Common side effects include nausea, myelosuppression (such as anemia and neutropenia), and nephrotoxicity. Monitoring by healthcare professionals is essential to manage these effects.
How are platinum compounds administered?
Platinum compounds are typically administered intravenously in a clinical setting under medical supervision to ensure proper dosage and monitoring for potential side effects.
What outcomes can be expected from platinum-based treatments?
Outcomes vary by cancer type and treatment specifics but can include improved survival rates and tumor response. Regular monitoring and follow-up are crucial.
Is it safe to use platinum compounds without medical supervision?
No, platinum compounds should never be used without medical supervision due to the risk of significant side effects and the need for precise dosing and monitoring.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31023519/ – This systematic review of 53 studies found that platinum compounds, when combined with other chemotherapies, showed higher response rates in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, the review noted that survival benefits were inconclusive, highlighting the need for further research in this area. The study's moderate-quality evidence is due to variability in study designs.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7079055/ – This article discusses the mechanisms of action of platinum-based anticancer drugs, focusing on how they interact with DNA to inhibit replication and transcription in cancer cells. It also covers the various side effects associated with these drugs, such as nephrotoxicity and myelosuppression, and strategies to mitigate these adverse effects. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical applications and challenges of platinum-based chemotherapy.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1010626/full – This systematic review and network meta-analysis, involving 6161 patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer, found that platinum-based combination therapies provided superior progression-free survival benefits compared to single-agent platinum. While some studies were open-label, potentially introducing bias, the overall evidence quality is high, supporting the efficacy of platinum-based combinations in ovarian cancer.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3024725/ – This review discusses the use of platinum-based chemotherapy in the treatment of various cancers, including lung, ovarian, and bladder cancer. It covers the mechanisms of action, resistance mechanisms, and strategies to overcome resistance. The review also highlights the importance of individualized treatment approaches to optimize outcomes and minimize toxicity.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8670346/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, including 1873 patients with triple-negative breast cancer, found that platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved pathological complete response, overall survival, and progression-free survival compared to nonplatinum treatments. Despite moderate heterogeneity among studies, the evidence is high-quality, supporting the efficacy of platinum-based treatments in TNBC.
Supplements Containing Platinum
VitaComplete
Vitabase
Trace Min
Douglas Laboratories
Multi-Trace Minerals Trace-Mins
Natures Plus
Liquid Light With Magnesium Silica Selenium & Zinc
Sunwarrior
Liquid Light Fulvic Acid With Magnesium Silica Selenium & Zinc
Sunwarrior
Immune Shield
Sunwarrior
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