Cisplatin (DDP) is a cell cycle non-specific antineoplastic drug, which is generally preferred used for treating solid malignant tumors, including those originated in the head, neck, lung, testis, ovary, breast etc. It has been found that the antitumor effects of DDP were correlated with its dose; however, DDP-induced dose-dependent renal toxicity greatly limits its clinical application. Up to now the exact mechanism of nephrotoxicity induced by DDP remains unknown, and there were also no reliable and specific methods for treating or preventing DDP-induced acute renal injury yet. The information gleaned from this review may provide the changes and possible mechanism of DDP-induced nephrotoxicity and its therapeutic strategy for further research.