Often used for:
Brain tumors, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, sarcomas, Wilms tumor, other solid tumors, conditioning for hematopoietic cell transplant
About carboplatin
Carboplatin is a platinum analog chemotherapy that slows or stops the growth of cells and is usually used with other medicines. It may be given to patients who cannot tolerate cisplatin due to kidney issues, nausea and vomiting, hearing loss, or neuropathies. Patients receive regular blood tests to monitor blood counts and kidney and liver function. Because carboplatin can cause serious hypersensitivity reactions, patients are monitored closely for signs of an allergic reaction.
Possible late effects
- Hearing loss
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Kidney problems
- Low levels of some electrolytes
- Fertility problems
Possible side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Kidney problems
- Diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Hair loss
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue or weakness
- Loss in the ability to taste food
- Low blood counts (may cause increased risk of infection, bleeding, anemia, and/or fatigue)
- Ringing in the ears
- Hearing loss
- Change in the normal menstrual cycle
- Infertility
- Allergic reaction: Symptoms may include rash, flushing, shortness of breath, decreased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, sweating, or swelling of the face or neck
- Not all patients who take carboplatin will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for families
- Discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Medicines may be prescribed to prevent nausea and vomiting.
- Drink plenty of fluids during treatment and follow care team instructions for fluid intake.
- Report ringing in the ears or signs of hearing loss to the care team because carboplatin can cause hearing loss.
- Patients may receive magnesium supplements during treatment.
- Sexually active patients should prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after therapy is complete.
- Tell the doctor if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Caregivers should follow instructions to avoid contact with patient body fluids for 48 hours after treatment.
