How it is administered

Carboplatin is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning it is delivered directly into a vein. It is supplied as a sterile solution in vials of various sizes and concentrations (typically 10 mg/mL). The infusion usually lasts at least 15 minutes, but the exact duration and dosing schedule depend on your specific treatment plan and kidney function. No special hydration or forced urination is required before or after the infusion.

How it works

Carboplatin is a type of chemotherapy known as a platinum-based agent. It works by binding to the DNA inside cancer cells and forming cross-links between DNA strands. This prevents the cancer cells from copying their DNA and dividing, ultimately leading to cell death. Carboplatin is considered cell-cycle nonspecific, meaning it can affect cancer cells at any stage of their growth.

The drug is processed mainly by the kidneys and is eliminated from the body through urine. Because it is not highly bound to blood proteins, carboplatin is available in the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. Its effects are similar to those of cisplatin, another platinum-based chemotherapy, but carboplatin tends to have fewer kidney and nerve side effects.

Who Should take it

Carboplatin is approved for use in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer, both as an initial therapy in combination with other chemotherapy agents (like cyclophosphamide) and as a single agent for patients whose cancer has recurred after previous treatments. While it is not specifically approved for anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), carboplatin may be used in blood cancers or lymphomas as part of certain chemotherapy regimens, especially when other treatments are not suitable or have failed.

Your doctor will determine if carboplatin is appropriate for you based on your type of cancer, previous treatments, kidney function, and overall health.

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 people with severe bone marrow depression (very low blood counts) or significant bleeding problems.

If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, you should not take carboplatin, as it can harm the developing fetus. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment, as it is unknown if carboplatin passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. People with severely impaired kidney function may not be suitable candidates for carboplatin, or may require dose adjustments.

Commonly used with

Carboplatin is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, such as cyclophosphamide, especially for ovarian cancer. In blood cancers, it may be combined with other agents depending on the treatment protocol. Your doctor will select the best combination based on your specific diagnosis and treatment goals.

Commonly tested with

Carboplatin has been tested in clinical trials with other chemotherapy agents, most notably cyclophosphamide and cisplatin, to compare effectiveness and side effects. It is also studied in combination with newer targeted therapies and supportive medications to improve outcomes and reduce side effects.