Cisplatin is an intravenously-administered platinum complex that induces cytotoxicity by interference with transcription and/or DNA replication mechanisms. Cisplatin bind preferentially to guanine, and damages tumors via induction of apoptosis. [1] DNA binding proteins recognize the topological distortion of DNA and initiate DNA damage repair, and if repair is not possible, apoptosis.

DNA adducts induced by cisplatin result in activation of several signal transduction pathways, such as ATR, p53, p73, and MAPK, leading to apoptosis. [2]

NSCLC and colon cancers are resistant to cisplatin, while others such as ovarian cancer acquire resistance over time. [3]