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How it is administered
Carboplatin is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning it is administered directly into a vein through a drip. It comes as a sterile, clear solution and is available in vials of different strengths for hospital or clinic use. The infusion typically lasts at least 15 minutes, but the exact duration and dosing schedule depend on your specific treatment plan and your doctor's recommendations.
No special hydration or forced diuresis is required before or after administration, but the drug must not come into contact with aluminum, as this can reduce its effectiveness.
How it works
Carboplatin is a type of chemotherapy medicine known as a platinum compound. It works by attaching to the DNA inside cancer cells, 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 appropriate dose. Carboplatin is less likely than some other platinum-based drugs (like cisplatin) to cause kidney damage, but it can still have significant effects on blood cells and bone marrow. This is why blood counts are closely monitored during treatment.
Common side effects
- Bone marrow suppression (low blood counts):
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)
- Neutropenia (low neutrophils)
- Leukopenia (low white blood cells)
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain
- Weakness (asthenia)
- Peripheral neuropathy (tingling or numbness in hands/feet)
- Ototoxicity (hearing changes)
- Kidney function changes (rare)
- Electrolyte imbalances (low sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium)
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, rarely anaphylaxis)
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Mucositis (mouth sores)
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, pain)
Most side effects are reversible, but some, like hearing changes, can be long-lasting in rare cases.
Who Should take it
Carboplatin is mainly used for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer, both as an initial therapy in combination with other chemotherapy agents (such as cyclophosphamide) and as a single agent for patients whose cancer has returned after previous treatments. While its primary FDA-approved use is for ovarian cancer, carboplatin is also sometimes used off-label for other cancers, including some blood cancers, as part of combination chemotherapy regimens.
Your doctor will decide 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 by patients who have had severe allergic reactions to carboplatin, cisplatin, or other platinum-containing compounds. It is also not recommended for people with severe bone marrow depression (very low blood counts) or significant ongoing bleeding, as the drug can further suppress bone marrow function.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should not take carboplatin because it can harm the developing fetus or nursing infant. People with severely impaired kidney function may also not be suitable candidates for carboplatin treatment.
Commonly used with
Carboplatin is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to increase its effectiveness. The most established combination is with cyclophosphamide for the initial treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. It may also be combined with other agents depending on the specific cancer being treated and your doctor's recommendations.
When used in blood cancers, carboplatin may be part of a multi-drug regimen tailored to your diagnosis.
Commonly tested with
Carboplatin has been tested in clinical trials most frequently in combination with cyclophosphamide, especially for ovarian cancer. It has also been compared to cisplatin in various studies to evaluate effectiveness and side effects.
In research settings, carboplatin may be studied alongside other chemotherapy agents, targeted therapies, or supportive care medications to find the best combinations for different types of cancer, including blood cancers.
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