Carboplatin
China [CN] Carboplatin is a second-generation platinum-based anti-tumor drug. Its anti-cancer activity is similar to that of cisplatin, but its nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, especially gastrointestinal reactions, are significantly lower than those of cisplatin. Its anti-tumor spectrum is not as broad as that of cisplatin. Its main mechanism of action is to cause cross-linking between and within DNA strands, interfere with DNA molecules, and inhibit DNA synthesis in cells. It mainly acts on the N-7 and O-6 atoms of guanine in DNA, generating cytotoxic effects. Because the cyclobutane ring in the carboplatin molecule is more stable as a ligand than the chloride ion group in cisplatin, it was initially thought that carboplatin might not have ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity like cisplatin. However, systematic biological assessment and numerous clinical trials have demonstrated that although the nephrotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, ototoxicity and neurotoxicity of carboplatin are not as severe as those of cisplatin, the damage it causes to the body still cannot be ignored. There is cross-resistance between the anti-tumor effect of carboplatin in vivo and cisplatin. Therefore, tumor cells that are not sensitive to cisplatin are also resistant to carboplatin.
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