Carboplatin
Brand and Other Names:
Carboplatin
Mechanism of Action:
Carboplatin forms DNA crosslinks, primarily interstrand, inhibiting DNA replication.
Indications:
Initial Treatment of Advanced Ovarian Carcinoma
- In combination with cyclophosphamide.
- Comparable survival to cisplatin combination regimens.
Secondary (Palliative) Treatment
-
In patients previously treated with chemotherapy, including cisplatin.
Route:
intravenous
Dose:
Single Agent: 360 mg/m² IV every 4 weeks
Combination Therapy: Carboplatin 300 mg/m² + Cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m² every 4 weeks
Adverse Reactions:
Common (≥10%):
- Hematologic: Thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, other GI effects
- Neurologic: Peripheral neuropathies, ototoxicity
- Electrolytes: Decreased sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium
- Others: Pain, fatigue (asthenia), alopecia
Contraindication:
- Hypersensitivity to carboplatin or other platinum compounds.
- Severe bone marrow depression.
- Significant bleeding.
Warnings and Precautions:
Bone marrow suppression: Most common dose-limiting toxicity.
Allergic reactions: Including anaphylaxis, especially in patients previously treated with platinum agents.
Renal toxicity: Use with caution in renally-impaired patients.
Hearing loss: Notably in pediatric and high-dose settings.
Pregnancy Category D: Known to cause fetal harm.
Neurological toxicity: Risk increased in patients >65 years and those previously treated with cisplatin.
See package insert for full prescribing information.