Satraplatin is a chemotherapy drug that is being used in research trials to treat some kinds of cancer. It is mainly being researched for use in prostate cancer that is no longer responding to hormone therapy (hormone refractory prostate cancer). It is also being researched as a treatment for other cancers, such as ovarian and lung cancer.

This information describes satraplatin, how it is given and some possible side effects. It should be read with our general information about chemotherapy and about your type of cancer which gives more information and advice.

If you have any further questions you can ask your doctor or nurse at the hospital where you are having your treatment, or speak to one of our cancer support service nurses.

When a drug is being developed it has to go through various stages of research, called clinical trials or studies. These are intended to establish a safe dosage and find out what side effects the drug may cause. Trials can also show how effective a drug is, and whether it is better than the existing treatments, or has extra benefit when given alongside existing treatments.

Many drugs that are thought to be promising may be found not to be as good as existing treatments, or to have side effects that outweigh any benefits. For this reason, doctors and other medical staff carry out frequent and careful checks on the progress of every patient taking drugs as part of a research trial.

If you are taking a drug as part of a trial, your doctor will explain all about the drug, the procedures being used, and how you will be looked after while you are taking it. If you are worried at any time, you should ask your doctor or nurse for information and advice.

Satraplatin is available as a blue and yellow capsule.

Satraplatin capsules should be swallowed whole with plenty of water.

Chemotherapy is usually given as a course of several sessions (or cycles) of treatment over a few months. The length of your treatment and the number of cycles you have will depend on the type of cancer for which you are being treated. Your nurse or doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Each person’s reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. The side effects described here will not affect everyone who is given satraplatin, and may be different if you are having more than one chemotherapy drug.

We have outlined the most common side effects as well as rarer ones, so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, as satraplatin is still a relatively new treatment, it is too early to know all of the possible side effects. If you notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug but which are not listed here, please discuss them with your doctor or chemotherapy nurse.

Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with satraplatin you may become anaemic. This can make you feel tired and breathless. Let your doctor or nurse know if you develop these symptoms.

Diarrhoea This can usually be easily controlled with medicine, but let your doctor know if it is severe or if it continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea.

Constipation Constipation can usually be relieved by drinking plenty of fluids, eating a high fibre diet and taking gentle exercise. Sometimes you may need to take medicines to stimulate your bowel. These can be prescribed by your doctor.

Tiredness and feeling weak You may feel very tired. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.

Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) Your doctor can prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent, or greatly reduce, nausea and vomiting. For most people nausea isn't too much of a problem. If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor; they can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective. Some anti-sickness drugs can cause constipation. Let your doctor or nurse know if this is a problem.

Lowered resistance to infection Satraplatin can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin a few days after treatment has been given, and your resistance to infection usually reaches its lowest point after about 28 days. Your blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually have returned to normal levels before your next course of chemotherapy.

Contact your doctor or the hospital straight away if:

• your temperature goes above 38ºC (100.5ºF)
• you suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature).

You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy, to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally, it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.

Bruising or bleeding Satraplatin can reduce the production of platelets, which help the blood to clot. Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, or bleeding gums.

Risk of blood clots Cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having chemotherapy may increase this risk further. A blood clot may cause symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in a leg, or breathlessness and chest pain. Blood clots can be very serious so it is important to tell your doctor straightaway if you have any of these symptoms. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.

Other medicines Some medicines can be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy. Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies and herbal drugs.

Fertility Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. It is important to discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.

Contraception It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking satraplatin, as the developing foetus may be harmed. It is important to use effective contraception while taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. Again, discuss this with your doctor.

• It is important to take your capsules at the right times. You should always take them as directed by your doctor, specialist nurse or pharmacist.
• Keep satraplatin in a safe place out of the reach of children, as the capsules could harm them.
• If your doctor decides to stop the treatment, return any remaining tablets to the pharmacist. Do not flush them down the toilet or throw them away.
• If you are sick just after taking the tablets, let your doctor know as you may need to take another dose. Do not take another tablet without first telling your doctor.
• If you forget to take a tablet, do not take a double dose. Inform your doctor and keep to your regular dose schedule.

This section is based on our Satraplatin factsheet which has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:

• Pain and PSA Responses in Metastatic Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer Treated with Satraplatin: Results of the SPARC Phase III Trial (Satraplatin and Prednisolone Against Refractory Cancer). Witjes JA et al. Poster Presentation EAU 2007.
• A Phase III, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial of Satraplatin and Prednisolone vs. Placebo and Prednisolone for Patients with Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer (HRPC). Petrylak D et al. Poster Presentation ASCO 2007.

For further references, please see general bibliography.