Carboplatin chemotherapy
Carboplatin is a type of chemotherapy that is given as a treatment for some cancers. This fact sheet describes carboplatin, how it is given and the specific side effects that it may cause.
It is important to stress that each person's reaction to chemotherapy is unique and some people have very few side effects whilst others may experience more.
Please let your doctor or nurse know about any side effects you have, even if they have gone by the time you attend for your next hospital appointment. Treatment can often be prescribed to relieve them. You will have regular appointments with your doctor to monitor the effect of the chemotherapy and side effects.
How it is given
Carboplatin is a white powder which is dissolved in water. It is then diluted in a bag of weak sugar solution before it is given to you. Carboplatin is administered by drip into a vein through a small and very thin plastic tube, called a cannula. The drip usually takes 30 to 60 minutes At some centres, you may be asked to supply a urine sample 24 hours before each course of treatment. Ask about the procedure so you can plan your schedule accordingly.
Common side-effects
- Temporary reduction in bone marrow function. Bone marrow manufactures red blood cells which carry oxygen to all the body's cells so that they can work effectively. It also manufactures white blood cells which fight infection, and platelets which help stop bleeding. If bone marrow function is reduced it may result in anaemia, (loss of red blood cells) infection, or risk of bleeding. This usually begins about a week after the Carboplatin is given and may take another week or two to recover. If it has not recovered fully before you are due your next infusion, the infusion will be delayed a week or so. However, this does not often happen. It is very important to report any fever, temperature, bruising, bleeding, breathlessness or extreme tiredness, as these symptoms may indicate that your blood cells are low. You can also help resist infection and fever by avoiding people with colds or other illnesses.
- Nausea and vomiting may begin a few hours after you are given carboplatin and last about a day. You will be given anti-sickness drugs to reduce/prevent this. If these do not control it, let your doctor know as there are other drugs he/she can use. Also let your doctor know if the nausea or fatigue gets worse with each course of treatment, so he/she can try and make you as comfortable as possible.
- Loss of appetite. Many people find it easier to eat "little and often" when they are having chemotherapy, rather than to sit down and face a big meal. If loss of appetite is becoming a problem, you should let your doctor know so that he/she can advise you about foods that may tempt you. You may want to be referred to a dietitian as well.
Rare side effects
- Hair loss is extremely rare with carboplatin.
- Bad taste in the mouth. Some people may experience an unpleasant taste from treatment. You may find that certain foods taste better that others during this time.
- Loss of feeling or tingling in the hands and feet due to the effect of carboplatin on nerves. This normally only occurs with high-dose carboplatin and decreases over several months after the treatment ends. Please report any tingling, numbness or "pins and needles" in your hands and feet.
- Changes in hearing. With high-dose carboplatin, some tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and loss of hearing of high pitched noise may occur . This may decrease when the treatment ends. Please report any loss of hearing or tinnitus.
- Mouth sores and ulcers. These are usually mild. If you develop a sore mouth or ulcers, appropriate mouth care can be prescribed.
