Carboplatin

Carboplatin For Dogs and Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

Carboplatin inhibits DNA synthesis and function by creating intra- and interstrand cross-links as well as DNA-protein cross-links with DNA.

Uses of Carboplatin

• Could be helpful in treating a variety of neoplastic conditions, such as thyroid adenocarcinoma, anal sac adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, mediastinal carcinoma, pleural adenocarcinoma, and nasal carcinoma.
• When taken in conjunction with amputation in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma, it increases survival rates.

Dose of Carboplatin For Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

All uses: 300 mg/m2 i.v. q3–4wk injected into the side port of a freely running i.v. infusion of 0.9% NaCl over a 10–15 min period.

Intrapleural/intraperitoneal dose: 225–300 mg/m2 diluted in 0.9% NaCl or 5% dextrose water (in one text this is diluted to 10 mg/ml then again in 1 ml per 4.5 kg body weight) over a 5–10 min period.

Cats:

All uses: 200 mg/m2 i.v. q3–4wk injected into the side port of a freely running i.v. infusion of 0.9% NaCl over a 10–15 min period.

Intrapleural/intraperitoneal dose: 200–240 mg/m2 diluted in 0.9% NaCl or 5% dextrose water over a 5–10 min period.

Side Effects of Carboplatin in Dogs and Cats

• Myelosuppression, nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, electrolyte abnormalities and neurotoxicity.
• Allergic reactions (including delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity).
• produces fewer side effects than cisplatin.
• Negative effects in cats could be unpredictable or delayed (thought to be due to GFR changes in older cats).

Contraindications of Carboplatin in Dogs and Cats

• Patients with a history of platinum hypersensitivity.
• Patients with a history of bone marrow suppression.

Some Notes:

• It is extremely irritating so, an IV catheter must be implanted before administering it.
• Avoid using i.v. sets or needles that contain aluminum because the medication may precipitate.
• It has less GI and renal damage than cisplatin so, medication is now generally preferred.
• Patients with impaired renal function, active infections, hearing impairments, or pre-existing liver illness should use this medication with caution.
• Concomitant use of aminoglycosides or other nephrotoxic agents may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.
• May adversely affect the safety and efficacy of vaccinations.
• Potential to act as a radiosensitizer for patients receiving concomitant radiotherapy.