How it is administered

Carboplatin is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning it is delivered directly into a vein through a drip. The medication comes as a sterile, clear solution in vials of various sizes, and the dose is calculated based on body surface area or kidney function. The infusion typically lasts 15 minutes or longer, and no special hydration is required before or after the treatment.

How it works

Carboplatin is a type of chemotherapy known as a platinum compound. It works by interfering with the DNA inside cancer cells. Specifically, carboplatin forms cross-links between DNA strands, which prevents the cancer cells from copying their DNA and dividing. This action is not limited to a specific phase of the cell cycle, so it can affect cancer cells at various stages of growth.

Because it targets rapidly dividing cells, carboplatin can also affect normal cells that divide quickly, such as those in the bone marrow, digestive tract, and hair follicles. This is why some side effects occur. Carboplatin is eliminated mainly through the kidneys, so kidney function is important when determining the right dose.

Who Should take it

Carboplatin is approved for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer, both as an initial treatment in combination with other chemotherapy agents (such as cyclophosphamide) and as a single agent for patients whose cancer has returned after prior chemotherapy. While it is not specifically approved for mantle cell lymphoma, carboplatin may sometimes be used as part of combination chemotherapy regimens for various blood cancers, especially when other options are limited or as part of clinical trials.

Patients who have been previously treated with other platinum-based drugs like cisplatin may also receive carboplatin, especially if they have developed resistance or intolerance to those drugs.

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 ongoing bleeding.

Patients with severely impaired kidney function may not be able to safely receive carboplatin, as the drug is cleared from the body by the kidneys. Pregnant women should avoid carboplatin due to the risk of harm to the developing fetus, and breastfeeding should be stopped during treatment.

Commonly used with

Carboplatin is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. For blood cancers and related conditions, it is commonly combined with cyclophosphamide and sometimes with other agents depending on the specific cancer type and treatment protocol.

In solid tumors, it may be used with paclitaxel, etoposide, or other agents, but for blood cancers, the combinations are tailored to the disease and patient needs.

Commonly tested with

Carboplatin has been tested in clinical trials with cyclophosphamide, especially for ovarian cancer. In blood cancers, it may be studied in combination with other chemotherapy agents, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies as part of research protocols. The exact combinations depend on the specific study and cancer type.