Analytical methodologies for the quantitation of platinum anti-cancer drugs and related compounds in biological media

The methods for analysis of platinum-based anti-cancer drugs in biological media are reviewed in this paper. Although emphasis is placed on cisplatin, attention is also given to several of its analogues (carboplatin, iproplatin) and their degradation and biotransformation products. In an introductory section a short description is given of the historical background and the clinical applications of cisplatin. Reactions occurring in the body and in aqueous solutions are discussed because of their implications for the design of analytical procedures. After a detailed description of sample preparation and storage, attention is focussed on the analytical techniques used for the determination of either total platinum levels or individual platinum-containing compounds. The techniques discussed include atomic absorption and emission spectrometry, derivatization reactions and several chromatographic techniques with different detection methods. The specific advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are discussed.