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Changes in intracellular magnesium concentrations during cisplatin chemotherapy
S Sartori1, I Nielsen, D Tassinari
1II Divisione di Medicina Generale, Arcispedale S. Anna, Ferrara, Italia.
Oncology
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Cisplatin chemotherapy reduces magnesium (Mg) levels in plasma and erythrocytes. Supplementation between chemotherapy courses may prevent depletion without risking hypermagnesemia.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Magnesium (Mg) is crucial intracellular cation; plasma levels don't reliably reflect total body Mg.
- Cisplatin, a common chemotherapy agent, can affect mineral metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of cisplatin on plasma (PMg) and erythrocyte (EMg) magnesium concentrations in cancer patients.
- To determine the timing and extent of Mg depletion during and after cisplatin treatment.
Main Methods:
- Measured PMg and EMg in 22 cancer patients before and at several time points after cisplatin administration.
- Assessed Mg levels in 10 patients after six chemotherapy courses.
- Analyzed changes in Mg concentrations using statistical methods.
Main Results:
- Plasma Mg decreased progressively after single cisplatin doses and cumulative chemotherapy.
- Erythrocyte Mg decreased by day 4 but recovered by day 7 after a single dose.
- Significant erythrocyte Mg depletion occurred only after the third chemotherapy course.
Conclusions:
- Cisplatin affects Mg metabolism at both plasma and cellular levels, potentially via membrane transport disruption.
- Early Mg supplementation before or during cisplatin may be unnecessary; oral supplements between courses could suffice.
- This approach may prevent Mg depletion and avoid hypermagnesemia risk in cisplatin-induced renal failure.