How it is administered

Carboplatin is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning it is administered through a vein. The medication comes as a sterile solution in vials of various sizes and is diluted before being infused. The infusion usually lasts at least 15 minutes, but the exact duration and dosing schedule depend on the treatment plan set by your doctor. 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 compound. It works by attaching to the DNA inside cancer cells and forming cross-links between DNA strands. This action prevents the cancer cells from copying their DNA and dividing, which ultimately leads to cell death. Carboplatin is considered cell-cycle nonspecific, meaning it can affect cancer cells at any stage of their growth cycle.

The drug is primarily eliminated from the body through the kidneys, so kidney function is important in determining the right dose. Carboplatin is less likely than some other platinum drugs (like cisplatin) to cause kidney damage, but it can still have significant effects on the bone marrow, which is where blood cells are made. This is why regular blood tests are needed during treatment.

Who Should take it

Carboplatin is used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs for the initial treatment of advanced ovarian cancer and is also used as a single agent for patients whose ovarian cancer has returned after previous chemotherapy. While it is not specifically approved for Hodgkin Lymphoma, carboplatin may sometimes be used off-label for certain blood cancers when other options are not suitable, especially if patients cannot tolerate cisplatin.

Your doctor will decide if carboplatin is appropriate for you based on your cancer type, previous treatments, kidney function, and overall health. It is especially considered when a platinum-based chemotherapy is needed but a gentler alternative to cisplatin is preferred.

Who should not take it

Carboplatin should not be used by people who have had severe allergic reactions to cisplatin, carboplatin, or other platinum-containing compounds. It is also not recommended for patients with severe bone marrow depression (very low blood counts) or those experiencing significant bleeding.

If you have impaired kidney function, your doctor will need to adjust your dose carefully or may decide that carboplatin is not safe for you. Women who are pregnant should not take carboplatin, as it can harm the developing baby. Breastfeeding is also not recommended during treatment, as it is unknown if carboplatin passes into breast milk.

Commonly used with

Carboplatin is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. In ovarian cancer, it is commonly paired with cyclophosphamide. In blood cancers, it may be used with other agents depending on the treatment protocol and the patient's specific needs.

Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help prevent or manage side effects, such as anti-nausea drugs or medications to support blood counts.

Commonly tested with

Carboplatin has been tested in combination with cyclophosphamide and cisplatin in clinical trials for ovarian cancer. In blood cancers, it may be studied with other chemotherapy regimens, especially when evaluating alternative platinum-based therapies for patients who cannot tolerate cisplatin.

Clinical trials may also test carboplatin with supportive medications to reduce side effects or improve outcomes.