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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.