It is important to monitor for late effects following chemo. After receiving Cisplatin, which body system will need to be monitored?

• A. Renal/urinary system due to damage to the renal tubules and glomeruli
• B. Neurologic due to cerebellar dysfunction
• C. Pulmonary due to pulmonary fibrosis
• D. Cardiac due to damage of the myocytes of the heart and cause cardiomyopathy

Answer: (A)

Nephrotoxicity from cisplatin is the main late effect you need to watch for. Cisplatin damages the cells of the renal tubules and glomeruli, which can reduce kidney filtration and disrupt electrolyte balance. Because of this, monitoring should focus on kidney function and electrolytes: baseline and periodic serum creatinine and BUN, estimated GFR, urine output, and electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium. Maintaining good hydration around treatment and adjusting the dose if kidney function declines are key protective steps; in some regimens a nephroprotective strategy may be used. Other potential toxicities you might hear about with different drugs (like cerebellar dysfunction, pulmonary fibrosis, or Cardiomyopathy) are not the primary late effects of cisplatin, though they can occur with other chemotherapies.