First-lineCarboplatin (generic IV)
Carboplatin
Platinum alkylating agent
Ovarian cancer backbone — dose by AUC.
IV
First-line for
- Epithelial ovarian cancer (with paclitaxel)
- Endometrial carcinoma advanced/recurrent
- Cervical cancer palliation
Mechanism
DNA cross-linking like cisplatin, with different toxicity profile — myelosuppression dominant.
"Carboplatin = curves (Calvert) and counts"
- Dose by Calvert formula: AUC × (GFR + 25)
- Nadir day 14–21 — bloods before every cycle
- Delayed hypersensitivity after 6+ cycles
Dosing
- Ovarian standard
- AUC 5–6 IV q3w × 6 with paclitaxel
- Weekly dose-dense
- AUC 2 weekly with paclitaxel 80 mg/m²
Contraindications
- AbsoluteSevere myelosuppression
- AbsolutePrior severe carboplatin hypersensitivity
- CautionT1 pregnancy
Side effects
- Myelosuppression (thrombocytopenia predominant)
- Nausea (moderate)
- Peripheral neuropathy (less than cisplatin)
- Hypersensitivity after re-exposure
Fetal & maternal notes
- • Avoid T1; T2/T3 use with MDT
- • Deliver ≥3 weeks after last dose
Key interactions
Nephrotoxins
CautionEnhanced toxicity
Clinical pearls
- 💡 Round AUC dose to nearest 50 mg; cap GFR at 125 for calculation
- 💡 Test-dose or steroid pre-med for suspected hypersensitivity
Content last reviewed: REPLACE_ME (e.g. 2026-07)
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