Cisplatin is a chemotherapy medication commonly used in the treatment of several types of cancer, including lung, ovarian, testicular, bladder, and head and neck cancers.

It belongs to a class of drugs known as platinum-based chemotherapy agents.

Cisplatin works by forming cross-links within the DNA of cancer cells. This interferes with their ability to divide and replicate, which may lead to cell death.

Because it affects rapidly dividing cells, it may also impact some normal cells, which is why side effects can occur.