Although the chemical structure of cisplatin had been known for over 100 years, prior to Rosenberg´s studies its great activity had not been known. For the last years numerous studies have been undertaken to clarify the mechanism of activity and to explore the response of various neoplasms to the drug. The bulk of research on the toxicity helps to prevent damage to the healthy cells. Since the discovery of cisplatin, extensive laboratory studies have shed light on the mechanisms of resistance of tumors to the effects of cisplatin. Ongoing research on new anticancer drugs involves the work of synthetic chemists, molecular biologists, pharmacologists and clinical oncologists. They are still focusing on new platinum derivatives, such as carboplatin and oxaliplatin.