Carboplatin
Carboplatin is in a class of drugs known as platinum-containing compounds; it slows or
stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the
types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer
you have.
Carboplatin is used to treat
- ovarian carcinoma
- lung cancer, testicular cancer
- head and neck cancer
- Wilms' tumor
- brain tumors
- bladder cancer
- retinoblastoma
Side effects of Carboplatin
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the
bone marrow. This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and
infection. This effect can begin about 7 days after the treatment has been given and
usually reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy. The number of blood
cells in your blood will then increase steadily and will have usually returned to normal
within 21-28 days.
The extent to which the number of blood cells is reduced depends on the dose of
chemotherapy you receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in
combination. Your doctor can advise you how likely it is that your blood count will be
lowered by the chemotherapy. Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your
bone marrow is working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained
bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even if you have a normal temperature,
contact your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If it does happen it
may begin after the treatment is given and last for up to a day. If the sickness is not
controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs
that may be more effective.
Loss of appetite. A dietician or specialist nurse at your hospital can
give advice.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of Carboplatin
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet. This is known as peripheral
neuropathy and is due to the effect of carboplatin on nerves. It is very uncommon if you
receive usual doses of the drug, but it may happen if you have very high dose treatment.
You may also notice that you have difficulty doing up buttons or similar fiddly tasks.
Tell your doctor if you notice any numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. This
usually improves slowly a few months after the treatment is finished.
Changes in hearing. Again, this is very uncommon if you have usual
doses of the drug, but if you have high dose treatment you may get tinnitus (ringing in
the ears) and you may lose the ability to hear some high-pitched sounds. Again this
usually decreases when the treatment ends. Let your doctor know if you notice any loss of
hearing or tinnitus.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be controlled with medicine but tell your
doctor if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you do
have diarrhoea.
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you
may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Hair loss. This is extremely rare if you have normal doses of
carboplatin, but may happen to some patients who are having high dose treatment. If it
does happen, it usually begins about 3-4 weeks after starting treatment, although it may
occur earlier. It is temporary, and the hair will start to regrow once the treatment is
finished. |