REVIEW OF PLATINUM COMPLEX BIOCHEMISTRY SUGGESTS A RATIONALE FOR COMBINED PLATINUM-RADIOTHERAPY

A review of the biochemistry of platinum coordination complexes represented by the parent complex cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum II, (cis-DDP), indicates that this family of chemotherapeutic agents binds to DNA affording the potential for interactions with other therapeutic modalities. Results of relatively recent studies in bacteria, mammalian cell cultures and in animal tumor systems suggest that these platinum complexes interact with irradiation, thereby producing cell kill that may be greater than additive. A rationale is provided for the combination of cis-DDP and other platinum complexes with radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer. © 1979.