Mesothelioma Treatment - Chemotherapy - Carboplatin

Since chemotherapeutic drugs have been available for the treatment of mesothelioma doctors have been experimenting with a variety of different chemotherapy drugs, including Carboplatin. Introduced in the late 1980s, Carboplatin is favored by many physicians because its side effects are much less severe in comparison to many other chemotherapeutic drugs, particularly Cisplatin, which is the 'parent' drug of Carboplatin (meaning that Carboplatin is a modified form of Cisplatin). Carboplatin is most commonly used to treat ovarian, lung, head, and neck cancers, but has also shown some success in treating mesothelioma.

Most chemotherapeutic drugs, including Carboplatin, are designed to kill cancer cells. Carboplatin works by breaching the cellular wall and binds to the cell's DNA, preventing the cell from dividing and functioning normally, which eventually kills the cell. These drugs tend to target cancer cells because they are attracted only to cells that divide rapidly.

Mesothelioma Treatment with Carboplatin

Carboplatin chemotherapy is typically administered on an out-patient basis at a hospital or cancer treatment center. The medication is given intravenously, usually once every 28 days. In cases where a patient with mesothelioma requires more frequent chemotherapy, or where Carboplatin treatment is combined with other treatments or drugs, it may be administered on an in-patient basis, requiring a stay of two or more consecutive days in the hospital.

Anyone with kidney disease is discouraged from seeking treatment with Carboplatin. It should be noted that Carboplatin, like most chemotherapy drugs, is harmful to unborn babies. Thus, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use this drug.

Side Effects of Carboplatin

Side effects of Carboplatin are typically less severe than those associated with most other chemotherapeutic agents. However, patients taking this medication can still expect to experience some unpleasant side effects, which may include:

Hair loss
Impaired immune function
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Constipation
Stomach pain
Impaired vision or hearing
Feelings of fatigue or weakness
Increased tendency for bruising or bleeding (due to poor clotting)

Patients experiencing the following should immediately call their doctor:

Red urine
Dizziness or feeling of faintness
Black, tarry stools
Fever
Chills
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Swelling of the feet or ankles
Rash

Those treated with Carboplatin for mesothelioma typically experience reduced immune system function and become more prone to infection. This means even a cold may be dangerous to a patient receiving this treatment. Anyone receiving treatment with Carboplatin should avoid contact with people who have colds or other infections.

A potentially serious side effect of Carboplatin is kidney damage. The symptoms of kidney damage usually include pain or difficulty in urinating, or the appearance of blood in the urine.

The appearance of any side effects, whether mild or serious, should be discussed with a doctor as soon as they arise. A cancer doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help alleviate certain side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. To avoid potential life-threatening complications, anyone who is taking Carboplatin should seek medical advice if they contract any kind of infection or experience fever, chills, rash, or sore throat.

Sources:

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