Carboplatin
Carboplatin is a chemotherapy medication used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, and neuroblastoma. It is administered intravenously and belongs to the class of platinum-containing antineoplastic drugs, which work by interfering with DNA replication in cancer cells, thereby inhibiting their growth and proliferation[20].
Carboplatin is known for its effectiveness in treating cancer while having a more favorable side effect profile compared to its predecessor, cisplatin. Specifically, carboplatin causes less severe nausea and vomiting and does not have the nephrotoxic effects associated with cisplatin. However, carboplatin can lead to significant myelosuppression, which is a decrease in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow, leading to an increased risk of infection, anemia, and bleeding[20].
The dosage of carboplatin can be calculated using Calvert's formula, which takes into account the patient's creatinine clearance and the desired area under the curve (AUC) to determine the appropriate dose. This formula helps to optimize the dose for each individual, aiming to maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicity[20].
Despite its benefits, carboplatin can cause side effects, including low blood cell levels, electrolyte imbalances, and allergic reactions. It is also potentially mutagenic and may be carcinogenic, although further research is needed to confirm this. Use during pregnancy is not recommended due to the potential for harm to the fetus[20].
Carboplatin was developed as a less toxic analogue of cisplatin, patented in 1972, and approved for medical use in 1989. It is included in the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, highlighting its importance in the treatment of cancer[20].
Citations:
[1] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/carboplatin
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/carboplatin-intravenous-route/side-effects/drg-20062578
[3] https://reference.medscape.com/calculator/169/carboplatin-auc-dosing-calvert
[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/carboplatin-intravenous-route/description/drg-20062578
[5] https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/medications/adult/carboplatin
[6] https://www.drugs.com/dosage/carboplatin.html
[7] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4551/carboplatin-intravenous/details
[8] https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatments-and-drugs/carboplatin
[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2681557/
[10] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/carboplatin
[11] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/carboplatin-intravenous-route/side-effects/drg-20062578?p=1
[12] https://www.eviq.org.au/clinical-resources/eviq-calculators/4171-carboplatin-dose-calculator
[13] https://www.breastcancer.org/drugs/carboplatin
[14] https://ctep.cancer.gov/protocolDevelopment/docs/regimes/SideEffects-Carboplatin-Paclitaxel.docx
[15] https://www.drugs.com/carboplatin.html
[16] https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00958
[17] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/pc-paclitaxel-carboplatin
[18] https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/system/files_force/carboplatin.pdf?download=1
[19] https://reference.medscape.com/drug/paraplatin-carboplatin-342107
[20] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carboplatin