Methods of Treatment - Cisplatin - The Platinum Standard

Methods of Treatment:
Cisplatin: The Platinum Standard

This reading is a story of serendipity in chemistry. Imagine how surprised Dr. Barnett Rosenberg was when his electrochemical experiment on cell division unexpectedly produced a drug that could be used to treat cancer.

The existence of cis- and trans- isomers of the platinum complexes discussed in this reading provide an excellent opportunity to discuss not only isomerism, but also the broader concept of molecular structure as the factor that governs material properties. As the two isomers show, a small change in molecular structure can greatly alter properties.

For more information, at other Web sites...

Alfred Werner — biography from the Nobel e-museum.
Cisplatin: The Invention of an Anticancer Drug — a ChemCases case study from Kennesaw State University.

Relevant National Science Education Standards

Physical Science — The reading shows that small changes in molecular structure can mean the difference between a harmful poison and a miracle cure.
Life Science — Cancer cells play a major role in this reading.
History and Nature of Science — The reading illustrates part of the history of cancer treatment.

Relevant New Jersey State Science Education Standards

5.1 The reading describes how Rosenberg interpreted unexpected experimental results.

5.2 The reading describes the discovery of a major cancer drug.

5.4 The reading describes new cancer technologies.

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5.1	The reading describes how Rosenberg interpreted unexpected experimental results.
5.2	The reading describes the discovery of a major cancer drug.
5.4	The reading describes new cancer technologies.