How does carboplatin stop cancer?
Carboplatin is a chemotherapy drug that stops cancer cell growth by binding to the cell DNA and preventing it’s replication.
Carboplatin is classified as an alkylating agent and platinum-containing compound. It is not cell-cycle specific, meaning that it kills cancer cells when they are at rest, not actively dividing.
Carboplatin is usually given by an intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein. Your will receive this medicine in cycles over a period of time, typically every 4 weeks, in a clinic. In between cycles, your body will rest and recuperate from the treatment.
Which cancer does carboplatin treat?
Carboplatin is used together with other cancer drugs to treat advanced ovarian cancer. It may be used in ovarian cancer that has never been treated or cancer that has come back after treatment with other anticancer drugs.
Carboplatin is usually combined with another platinum-type cancer drug called paclitaxel to treat ovarian cancer. It is a commonly used combination as it has been shown to help patients live longer over other ovarian cancer treatments.
Your doctor may decide to give you carboplatin to treat other types of cancer, such as lung, anal, bladder, breast or head and neck cancer, among others. For some uses, this is called an “off-label” use.
- "Off-label" use of a drug refers to when a doctor prescribes a drug for a different purpose than those formally approved by the FDA and found in the package labeling of the drug.
- Your doctor may decide to use carboplatin for other cancers when they believe it will be helpful for you and there is adequate clinical information and experience.
- You may receive carboplatin in combination with other treatments.
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Learn more
This is not all the information you need to know about carboplatin for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the product information and discuss any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Chemotherapy to treat cancer. National Cancer Institute. Accessed Oct. 19, 2021 at https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/chemotherapy#how-chemotherapy-works-against-cancer
- Carboplatin. Chemocare. Accessed Oct. 19, 2021 at https://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/carboplatin.aspx
- Herzog T, et al. Patient education: Treatment of ovarian cancer (Beyond the Basics). Up to Date. Updated Oct. 14, 2021. Accessed Oct. 19, 2021 at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-ovarian-cancer-beyond-the-basics
Read next
What is TCHP chemotherapy and how is it used?
TCHP is a combination of Taxotere (docetaxel), carboplatin (Paraplatin), Herceptin (trastuzumab), Perjeta (pertuzumab). It is used to treat early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer.
Continue reading
How soon can you start chemo after port placement?
Chemotherapy can typically begin within a few days to 2 weeks after port placement, depending on factors like healing progress and treatment urgency. While same-day chemotherapy is possible in some cases, most healthcare providers recommend a short waiting period to ensure proper recovery and port functionality.
Continue reading
Does carboplatin cause neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is uncommon when conventional doses of carboplatin are used, but patients over 65 years of age may be at higher risk. Carboplatin may be associated with peripheral neuropathy in about 4% to 15% of patients. If carboplatin is combined with other neurotoxic cancer treatments, or used at higher doses or for prolonged periods, the risk of more severe neuropathy may increase. Continue reading
See also:
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Drug information
- Carboplatin Information for Consumers
- Carboplatin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Carboplatin (detailed)
- Carboplatin user reviews (5)
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