Products
Carboplatin is commercially available as an infusion solution (paraplatin, generic). It has been approved in many countries since 1986.
Structure and properties
Carboplatin (C6H12N2O4Pt, Mr = 371.3 g/mol) is a platinum compound. It exists as a colorless crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water. Carboplatin is structurally related to cisplatin, the first platinum compound used to treat cancer.
Effects
Carboplatin (ATC L01XA02) has cytostatic and antitumor properties. The effects are due to binding to DNA, resulting in linkages between DNA strands. As a result, cell death is induced. The effects are independent of the cell cycle.
Indications
For the treatment of various cancers (ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer, tumors of the ORL region, cervical cancer).
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is administered as a slow intravenous infusion.
Contraindications
Carboplatin is contraindicated in hypersensitivity, severe renal insufficiency, severe hepatic insufficiency, severe bone marrow depression, tumor bleeding, marked hearing impairment, and during pregnancy and lactation. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Drug-drug interactions have been described with renal toxic, ototoxic, and myelosuppressive agents.
Adverse effects
In addition to cancer cells, healthy cells are also affected by the effects, triggering side effects. The most common potential adverse effects include:
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, mucosal inflammation.
- Decrease in creatinine clearance, altered liver enzymes.
- Blood count abnormalities / bone marrow toxicity: anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia.
- Electrolyte disorders
- Allergic reactions
- Weakness
- Skin rash, hair loss
- Bleeding
- Infectious diseases
- Ototoxicity
- Peripheral neuropathy
