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How it is administered
Carboplatin is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. This means it is administered directly into a vein, usually in a hospital or clinic setting by a healthcare professional. The medication comes in a liquid solution that is diluted and infused over at least 15 minutes, but the exact duration may vary based on the treatment plan.
Carboplatin is available in multi-dose vials containing different strengths (for example, 50 mg/5 mL, 150 mg/15 mL, 450 mg/45 mL, or 600 mg/60 mL). The dose and schedule depend on your body size, kidney function, and the type of cancer being treated. No special hydration or forced diuresis is required before or after the infusion.
How it works
Carboplatin is a chemotherapy medication that belongs to a group of drugs called platinum-containing compounds. It works by interfering with the DNA inside cancer cells. Specifically, carboplatin forms cross-links between DNA strands, which prevents the cancer cells from dividing and growing. This action is not specific to any one phase of the cell cycle, meaning it can affect cancer cells at various stages of their growth.
The drug is processed by the kidneys and eliminated from the body mainly through urine. Because it targets rapidly dividing cells, carboplatin can also affect some normal cells, especially those in the bone marrow, which is why monitoring blood counts is important during treatment. The overall goal is to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells, helping to control the disease.
Common side effects
Common side effects of carboplatin include:
- Low blood counts (thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue or weakness (asthenia)
- Pain
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in hands/feet)
- Hearing changes (ototoxicity)
- Kidney function changes (rare)
- Electrolyte imbalances (low sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium)
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, rarely severe reactions)
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain)
- Mouth sores (mucositis)
Most side effects are manageable and reversible after treatment stops. Your healthcare team will monitor your blood counts and organ function regularly.
Who Should take it
Carboplatin is mainly used as part of combination chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. It is also used as a single agent for patients whose ovarian cancer has recurred after previous treatments. While carboplatin is not specifically approved for Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma, it may be considered in certain blood cancers as part of a broader chemotherapy plan, especially if other treatments are not suitable.
Your doctor will determine if carboplatin is appropriate for you based on your type of cancer, previous treatments, kidney function, and overall health. It is often chosen for patients who may not tolerate other platinum drugs like cisplatin due to its different side effect profile.
Who should not take it
Carboplatin should not be used in patients who have had severe allergic reactions to carboplatin, cisplatin, or other platinum-containing compounds. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe bone marrow depression (very low blood counts) or significant bleeding problems.
If you have severe kidney impairment, your doctor may decide not to use carboplatin or will adjust the dose carefully. Women who are pregnant should not use carboplatin because it can harm the unborn baby. Breastfeeding is also not recommended during treatment, as it is unknown if the drug passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant.
Commonly used with
Carboplatin is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. One well-established regimen is carboplatin with cyclophosphamide for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. It may also be combined with other agents depending on the specific cancer being treated.
In blood cancers, carboplatin may be part of a multi-drug chemotherapy plan, especially if standard therapies are not suitable or have failed.
Commonly tested with
Carboplatin has been tested in combination with cyclophosphamide in clinical trials for ovarian cancer. It has also been compared to cisplatin (another platinum-containing chemotherapy) in combination regimens.
In research and clinical practice, carboplatin may be tested with other chemotherapy agents or supportive medications to manage side effects, such as antiemetics (to prevent nausea and vomiting).