Renal excretion of magnesium and trace elements during cisplatin treatment

Plasma and urine concentrations of platinum, magnesium, zinc and copper were measured in 15 patients treated with cisplatin. The renal excretion rates of platinum, magnesium, zinc and copper were markedly increased. In plasma markedly elevated levels of platinum could be found and were accompanied by decreased concentrations of magnesium, potassium and calcium. The plasma concentrations of zinc and copper showed only slight changes. Our results indicate, that cisplatin may influence renal excretion of some electrolytes and trace elements by a specific factor and/or by alteration in renal function.