Carboplatin is a chemotherapy drug sometimes used in the treatment of mesothelioma. It is primarily used in treating ovarian, lung, head, and neck cancers. Carboplatin is a modified form of the drug Cisplatin, and is often recommended by doctors because the side effects are less severe than many other chemotherapy drugs.
Carboplatin interferes with cancer cell growth by binding to the cell's DNA and preventing it from functioning normally. This binding eventually kills the cancer cells.
As a mesothelioma procedure, carboplatin chemotherapy is typically administered as an out-patient treatment at a hospital or cancer treatment center. In cases where the patient requires more frequent chemotherapy or Carboplatin is combined with other drugs, it may be administered in the hospital, requiring an overnight stay.
Even though the side effects of Carboplatin are less severe than other chemotherapy drugs, there are still some side effects that may occur, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Impaired vision or hearing
- Increased tendency to bruise or bleed due to poor clotting
Those undergoing Carboplatin chemotherapy will often experience a reduction in immune system functions, becoming more susceptible to infection. Therefore, it is important to stay away from others who may be sick, even with a cold.
One of the more serious potential side effects of Carboplatin is kidney damage. The symptoms include pain or difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine. If you notice these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
It is important to communicate with your doctor regarding any and all side effects, regardless of how small they may seem. It is also important to document these side effects, along with all your medications. By filling out the form on the left, you can receive our Mesothelioma Information Guide, which provides you with a central repository to maintain all your documentation and helps you stay organized.