Drug glossary Chemotherapy

Carboplatin Paraplatin, Paraplat

Used in colorectal cancer outside its approved indication. It appears in 43 clinical trials.

Intravenous
See its trials
United States Off-label
European Union EMA approved
Spain Hospital use Used off-label in colorectal cancer

What it is

Carboplatin is a platinum-based alkylating chemotherapy agent that is not part of standard colorectal cancer treatment protocols. While extensively used in ovarian, lung, and other cancers, its role in CRC is limited to specific research contexts, particularly in combination regimens with immunotherapy agents like pembrolizumab or novel targeted therapies. The drug appears in colorectal cancer clinical trials primarily as part of multi-agent combinations exploring synergistic effects with checkpoint inhibitors or in tumor-agnostic studies.

How it works

Carboplatin forms DNA cross-links by binding to purine bases, particularly guanine and adenine, which prevents DNA replication and transcription, ultimately leading to cell death. The platinum compound is preferentially active against rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, due to their increased DNA synthesis and reduced DNA repair capacity compared to normal cells.

Common side effects

ThrombocytopeniaNeutropeniaAnemiaNauseaVomitingFatiguePeripheral neuropathyOtotoxicity

Not all are listed, and everyone experiences them differently. If you notice any, tell your care team.