Written By: David Statman
Carboplatin for Mesothelioma
Carboplatin is a chemotherapy drug option for people with malignant mesothelioma cancer. It’s a substitute for cisplatin when patients experience uncomfortable side effects, have less-than-optimal kidney function, and cannot continue receiving cisplatin.
Medically Reviewed By
Karen Ritter, RN BSN
Registered Nurse
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Medically Reviewed By
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Important Facts About Carboplatin for Mesothelioma
- Carboplatin is one of the mesothelioma chemotherapy drugs that pairs with Alimta (pemetrexed).
- Carboplatin is the generic name for Paraplatin.
- Carboplatin has fewer side effects than cisplatin and can improve quality of life.
What Is Carboplatin?
Carboplatin is a chemotherapy medication for malignant mesothelioma and other cancers. It’s the generic name for the brand name chemotherapy Paraplatin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved it as an anti-cancer drug in 1989.
Carboplatin is an alkylating agent, meaning it attacks cancer cells while they are resting. This damages the cells’ genetics and disrupts their growth and division process.
This chemotherapy drug is a platinum-based medication for malignant mesothelioma, and oncologists substitute it for cisplatin. It’s used for pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma.
Carboplatin instigates apoptosis, which is the naturally occurring cell death that the body requires to regulate itself. Cancer cells avoid apoptosis, living in the body too long and replicating themselves to create an imbalance.
Survival From Carboplatin for Mesothelioma
Survival from carboplatin is similar to survival from the other main platinum-based chemotherapy drug cisplatin. They’re both best used with Alimta, the brand name for chemotherapy medication pemetrexed.
Using carboplatin with Alimta leads to average survival of around one year in most studies:
- A study published on the Journal of Thoracic Oncology website reported a median survival of 12.7 months for carboplatin with pemetrexed.
- A different study reported a median survival of 14 months.
Both studies reported progression-free survival of 6-7 months, which is equivalent to Alimta and cisplatin.
Dosing of Carboplatin
Dosing for carboplatin is far different than dosing for cisplatin. In most clinical trials, doctors give 75 mg of cisplatin per session. They often give patients 500 mg of carboplatin.
The chemotherapy drug is usually administered intravenously. Another option is intraoperatively, either during HIPEC (heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma) or HITHOC (heated intrathoracic chemotherapy for pleural mesothelioma).
Carboplatin treatment for mesothelioma involves one session, or cycle, every 21 days. The number of cycles depends on the patient’s temperament for chemotherapy side effects. Each session lasts 15-60 minutes.
Carboplatin Side Effects
Carboplatin causes nausea and vomiting, which are two common side effects of cisplatin, but is usually less severe than for cisplatin. Patients have an easier time enduring these side effects from carboplatin. The chemotherapy medication is also less toxic for the patient’s kidneys.
However, carboplatin is associated with disrupted nervous system functioning (neurotoxicity) and reduced production of healthy blood cells due to affected bone marrow activity (myelosuppression).
How to Start Carboplatin for Mesothelioma
If you’re interested in starting carboplatin for your mesothelioma, follow these three steps:
- Contact a patient advocate for help. They’ll explain the difference between the different chemotherapy medications for mesothelioma, including side effects.
- Find a mesothelioma cancer center close to your residence, or one you don’t mind traveling to. Many of these top cancer centers can offer carboplatin as a substitute, and some have experimental chemotherapy medications for mesothelioma.
- Start chemotherapy treatment, usually beginning with Alimta (pemetrexed) and cisplatin. If the side effects of cisplatin are too uncomfortable to handle, your oncologist may switch you to Alimta with carboplatin.
Sources & Author
- Cisplatin versus carboplatin based regimens for the treatment of patients with metastatic lung cancer. An analysis of Veterans Health Administration data. Journal of Thoracic Oncology. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4982660/. Accessed: 06/02/2021.
- Carboplatin versus cisplatin in solid tumors: an analysis of the literature. Annals of Oncology. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9541678/. Accessed: 06/02/2021.
- Phase II Study of Pemetrexed Plus Carboplatin in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Journal of Thoracic Oncology. Retrieved from: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2005.04.3190. Accessed: 06/02/2021.
- Carboplatin plus pemetrexed as first-line treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma: a phase II study. Clinical Lung Cancer. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20085865/. Accessed: 06/02/2021.
AI Summary of Carboplatin for Mesothelioma
Carboplatin, also known by its brand name Paraplatin, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat malignant mesothelioma, a serious cancer often associated with asbestos exposure. It is commonly prescribed as an alternative to cisplatin, particularly for patients who experience difficult side effects or have existing kidney issues. Carboplatin works by targeting cancer cells during a resting phase, damaging their genetic material and disrupting their ability to grow and divide. It is a platinum-based drug that helps initiate a natural process of cell death, known as apoptosis, which is crucial for controlling abnormal cell growth in the body.
Research indicates that patients treated with carboplatin have survival outcomes comparable to those who receive cisplatin when combined with another medication called Alimta, or pemetrexed. Typically, studies show an average survival time of around one year, with median survival durations close to 13 to 14 months. The treatment usually involves administering the drug intravenously every 21 days, with each session lasting between 15 and 60 minutes. The number of cycles a patient receives depends on their overall health, side effect tolerance, and specific treatment plan devised by their healthcare team. Many patients report that carboplatin causes fewer side effects, especially related to nausea, vomiting, and kidney toxicity, making it a more tolerable option for many.
If you or a loved one is considering carboplatin for mesothelioma treatment, it’s important to consult with a specialized cancer center or healthcare provider. Starting treatment typically involves a thorough discussion about the potential benefits and side effects, along with scheduling and planning the treatment sessions. The goal of chemotherapy is to control cancer growth, extend survival, and improve quality of life. Patients are encouraged to seek support from patient advocates and to clearly communicate any concerns throughout their treatment journey. While the process can be challenging, many find that with appropriate medical care and support, they can better manage side effects and maintain their comfort and well-being during treatment.