Adjuvant chemotherapy using cisplatin by subcutaneous administration.

BACKGROUND-MATERIALS: Based on previous polymer release experience, this study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity, efficacy and systemic absorption of cisplatin administered subcutaneously in dogs. METHODS-RESULTS-CONCLUSIONS: Fifty to 70 mg/m2 cisplatin was suspended in saline and injected subcutaneously in 6 dogs as an adjunct to their primary treatment for sarcoma. Gastrointestinal, bone marrow, renal or local tissue toxicity occurred following the first (dogs 1-3,5,6) and second (dogs 1 and 2) treatments. Low, yet measurable levels of platinum were present in serum through day 14 following injection in all dogs. Due to the toxicity seen, all further planned treatments were discontinued and adjuvant regimes were completed with intravenous carboplatin. Although slow systemic absorption of platinum can occur following subcutaneous administration, the degree of toxicity seen following this treatment would indicate that a drug delivery vehicle may be necessary if cisplatin is to be administered for sustained release and adsorption.