Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Paraplatin (Carboplatin)

Carboplatin produces predominantly interstrand DNA cross-links in a cell-cycle nonspecific manner.

Carboplatin is indicated for initial treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents and for palliative treatment of recurrent ovarian carcinoma after prior chemotherapy. It demonstrates equivalent efficacy to cisplatin with a more favorable aquation profile, though patients with progressive disease during prior cisplatin therapy may have decreased response rates. The drug exhibits linear pharmacokinetics with biphasic plasma decay and primarily renal elimination. Carboplatin is contraindicated in patients with severe allergic reactions to platinum compounds, severe bone marrow depression, or significant bleeding.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Carboplatin, like cisplatin, produces predominantly interstrand DNA cross-links rather than DNA-protein cross-links through a cell-cycle nonspecific mechanism. The aquation of carboplatin, which produces the active species, occurs at a slower rate than cisplatin. Despite differences in aquation rates, both carboplatin and cisplatin induce equal numbers of drug-DNA cross-links, causing equivalent lesions and biological effects, with potency differences directly related to aquation rate differences.

Approved indications

• Breast cancer
• Malignant tumor of ovary

Boxed warnings

• Carboplatin injection should be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Appropriate management of therapy and complications is possible only when adequate treatment facilities are readily available. Bone marrow suppression is dose related and may be severe, resulting in infection and/or bleeding. Anemia may be cumulative and may require transfusion support. Vomiting is another frequent drug related side effect. Anaphylactic-like reactions to carboplatin have been reported and may occur within minutes of carboplatin injection administration. Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines have been employed to alleviate symptoms.

Common side effects

• DIARRHOEA
• NAUSEA
• ALOPECIA
• FATIGUE
• RASH
• Fatigue
• ARTHRALGIA
• Nausea
• Alopecia
• ANAEMIA
• VOMITING
• CONSTIPATION

Key clinical trials

• Durvalumab in Combination With Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors, DURVA+ Trial (PHASE2)
• A Study to Evaluate the Optimal Dose, Adverse Events and Change in Disease Activity of Intravenous ABBV-706 in Combination With Atezolizumab Versus Standard of Care as First-Line Treatment in Adult Participants With Previously Untreated Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (PHASE2)
• Paclitaxel and Carboplatin With or Without Bevacizumab in Treating Patients With Stage II, Stage III, or Stage IV Ovarian Epithelial Cancer, Primary Peritoneal Cancer, or Fallopian Tube Cancer (PHASE3)
• Study BT8009-230 in Participants With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Cancer (Duravelo-2) (PHASE2,PHASE3)
• Reduced-dose Carboplatin-doublet-chemotherapy + Cemiplimab vs Cemiplimab Monotherapy in Treatment Naive Older and Frail Patients With Metastatic NSCLC With PD-L1 <50% (PHASE2)
• A Study of the Drugs Selumetinib vs. Carboplatin and Vincristine in Patients With Low-Grade Glioma (PHASE3)
• A Study of Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (Sac-TMT, MK-2870) as Monotherapy and in Combination With Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Participants With Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (MK-2870-011/TroFuse-011) (PHASE3)
• A Clinical Study of Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (Sac-TMT, MK-2870) in People With Breast Cancer (MK-2870-032) (PHASE3)

Patents

Primary sources

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