Platinum-based drugs are a class of chemotherapy medications that contain the metal platinum. They are primarily used to treat various types of cancer, including testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. These drugs work by interfering with the DNA in cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. The most well-known platinum-based drugs include cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin. Each of these medications has specific uses and side effects, but they all share the common mechanism of action that targets rapidly dividing cells. This makes them effective in combating tumors, although they can also affect healthy cells, leading to potential side effects.