Carboplatin
Carboplatin (paraplatin) is a chemotherapy drug manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb. It is commonly used in the treatment of lung, ovarian, head and neck cancer and sometimes recommended for the treatment of mesothelioma. It was introduced in the late 1980s and has since gained popularity in clinical treatment due to its vastly reduced side-effects compared to its parent compound cisplatin. It is often used in conjunction with another chemotherapy drug, gemcitabine.
The added stability of the Carboplatin allows it to remain in the bloodstream longer and so it carries fewer side effects that cisplatin. However, it is not so effective as cisplatin and requires larger doses for equal effectiveness. Carboplatin interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body. At the centre of this drug is an atom of the metal platinum which damages the cancer cells.
Carboplatin is usually available with a prescription under the brand name Paraplatin. Other brand or generic formulations are available as well.
How the drug is given
Normally, carboplatin is given by infusion into a vein. It can also be given intra-peritoneal, directly into the peritoneal cavity in the abdomen. The quantity of Carboplatin the patient receive depends on many factors, including his/her height and weight, general health or other health problems, and how his/her body responds to it.
Things to be taken care of
- Carboplatin should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
- Before taking carboplatin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other platinum-containing compound such as cisplatin or any other drugs.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin, vitamins and medications that can cause hearing problems such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin, Jenamicin, others), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-fradin, Neo-Tabs), netilmicin (Netromycin), streptomycin, tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobrex, others), and others.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, bleeding problem, poor bone marrow function or hearing impairment
- Carboplatin may interfere with the normal menstrual cycle in women and may stop sperm production in men. So, tell your doctor if you think you may want to have children in the future.
- Women who are pregnant should tell their doctors before they begin taking this drug.
- You should not plan to have children while receiving chemotherapy or for a while after treatments. Use a reliable method of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Carboplatin may harm the fetus.
- For the danger of serious side effects to your baby, you should stop breast-feeding while taking carboplatin.
- You should not have any vaccinations (e.g., measles or flu shots) without consulting with your doctor.
- Combinations of chemotherapy drugs may cause cancer later on. Talk to your doctor about the risks of developing a new cancer by taking carboplatin.
- You should contact your doctor if you miss a dose of carboplatin.
- You should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider if an overdose of carboplatin is suspected for any reason.
Side Effects of Carboplatin
Like any chemotherapy drug, carboplatin also carries the possibility of a number of different side effects. However, most people do not experience all of the side effects. Side effects can be predicted in terms of their onset and duration. The side effects of Carboplatin and their severity depend on the amount of the drug given. That is, high doses may produce more severe side effects. Now-a-days, most of the side effects are manageable and most of them will disappear shortly after the completion of the therapy.
Common side effects (occurring in greater than 30%)
- Low blood counts (including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Taste changes
- Hair loss
- Fatigue (Tiredness)
- Blood test abnormalities (like abnormal magnesium level)
Occasional side effects (occurring in 10-29%)
- Burning sensation at the injection site
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Mouth sores
- Infection
- Kidney problems
- Abnormal blood electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, calcium)
- Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
Rare side effects
- Allergic reaction
- Hearing loss (ototoxicity)
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- black, tarry stools
Anna L. Kaplan, M.D.
