Carboplatin

• Diammine platinum (II) - cyclobutane -1 ,1- dicarboxylate

L01XA02

Cytostatics

Risk

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Carboplatin is a very common cytotoxic ( means of fighting cancer). The chemical structure contains a complexed platinum atom is a cisplatin derivative. The activity against cancer cells based on a cross-linking of DNA molecules ( genes ), which are thus non-functional. The cellular metabolism is inhibited and the cell dies. Like other cytotoxic drugs also acts carboplatin in this manner not only on fast-growing tumor cells, but to some extent also on healthy body cells. It is administered intravenously.

Mechanism of resistance

Note the cross-resistance with cisplatin.

Indication

Applications for carboplatin are lung cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer and testicular cancer. Carboplatin is administered as an infusion in 15 to 60 minutes, usually at a distance of 4 weeks, and is found almost exclusively in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents are used ( combination chemotherapy ). A combination of novel cytostatic agents such as gemcitabine, vinorelbine or taxanes with platinum salts cisplatin or carboplatin has established itself as the standard therapy.

Adverse effects

Vomiting ( so often concomitant administration of anti-emetics ), hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus ), dizziness, allergies, nerve damage, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, damage to blood- forming cells of the bone marrow. In addition, carboplatin nephrotoxic effect ( it damages the kidneys).

Trade names

Axicarb (D), Carbo -cell (D), Carbomedac (D), Haemato - carb (D), Neocarbo (D), paraplatin (CH), Ribocarbo (D ), various generics (D, A, CH)