Introduction

Carbotor 150 mg (Carboplatin) Injection is a potent platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent specifically formulated for the treatment of ovarian carcinoma. This specialized cytotoxic medication serves as a crucial component in oncology treatment protocols, offering therapeutic benefits for patients with both initial advanced epithelial ovarian cancer and recurrent disease. Manufactured by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and supplied by Orio Pharma, Carbotor represents a high-quality treatment option backed by stringent quality control measures and reliable global distribution.

How Carbotor Works

Carboplatin functions as an alkylating agent that targets rapidly dividing cancer cells by forming covalent bonds with DNA molecules. This mechanism disrupts the DNA structure and interferes with cellular replication processes, ultimately inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. The precision of this action allows Carbotor to effectively combat ovarian carcinoma while maintaining a manageable side effect profile compared to some alternative platinum compounds.

Key Indications

Carbotor 150 mg is specifically indicated for:

• Initial treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma of epithelial origin when used in established combination with other approved chemotherapeutic agents
• Palliative treatment of patients with recurrent ovarian carcinoma following prior chemotherapy

Dosage & Administration

The recommended administration protocol for Carbotor requires careful attention to proper handling techniques and patient-specific considerations:

• Standard Dosage: 400 mg/m² as a single intravenous dose administered over 15-60 minutes in previously untreated adult patients with normal kidney function
• Adjusted Dosage: Reduction to 300-320 mg/m² (20-25% reduction) recommended for patients with risk factors such as prior myelosuppressive treatment or low performance status
• Administration Interval: Treatment should be repeated no sooner than four weeks after the previous course
• Blood Count Requirements: Neutrophil count should be at least 2,000 cells/mm³ and platelet count at least 100,000 cells/mm³ before administering subsequent doses
• Monitoring: Weekly blood counts recommended during initial courses for appropriate dosage adjustment

Special considerations for preparation and administration include:

• Aluminum-containing needles or intravenous sets must be avoided due to potential precipitation and potency loss
• Implementation of proper handling and disposal procedures for anti-cancer drugs is essential
• Age-appropriate dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients 65 years and older

Pharmacological Profile

As an alkylating agent, Carboplatin demonstrates specific pharmacological properties that contribute to its therapeutic efficacy:

• Binding covalently to DNA in cancer cells
• Modifying cell cycle progression
• Interfering with DNA structure and function
• Disrupting cancer cell replication and division

Safety Considerations

Prior to initiating treatment with Carbotor, healthcare providers must carefully evaluate patients for potential contraindications and risk factors. Treatment should only proceed under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Key safety considerations include:

• Contraindications:
  • Severe renal impairment (unless benefits outweigh risks)
  • Severe myelosuppression
  • History of severe allergic reactions to carboplatin, other platinum compounds, or mannitol
  • Bleeding tumors
• Monitoring Requirements:
  • Peripheral blood counts (weekly during initial treatment)
  • Renal function tests (before and during therapy)
  • Hepatic function tests
  • Regular neurological evaluations

Potential Adverse Effects

Carbotor administration may result in several side effects that require monitoring and management:

1. Hematologic Toxicity (Dose-Limiting):
   • Thrombocytopenia (25% of patients)
   • Neutropenia (18% of patients)
   • Leukopenia (14% of patients)
   • Anemia (71% of patients)
2. Gastrointestinal Effects:
   • Nausea (15% of patients)
   • Vomiting (65% of patients)
   • Abdominal pain (17% of patients)
   • Diarrhea (6% of patients)
   • Constipation (6% of patients)
3. Renal Effects:
   • Elevated serum creatinine (6% of patients)
   • Elevated blood urea nitrogen (14% of patients)
   • Reduced creatinine clearance (27% of patients with baseline ≥60 mL/min)
   • Electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium)
4. Neurological Effects:
   • Peripheral neuropathies (4% of patients)
   • Central nervous system symptoms (5% of patients)
5. Other Effects:
   • Allergic reactions (less than 2% of patients)
   • Hepatic function abnormalities
   • Infectious complications (4% of patients)
   • Hemorrhagic complications (5% of patients)

Drug Interactions

Several important interactions should be considered when administering Carbotor:

• Should not be mixed with other drugs in the same infusion
• May potentiate the renal effects of neurotoxic compounds
• Combination with other myelosuppressive compounds requires careful planning
• Avoid concurrent administration with aminoglycosides or other nephrotoxic compounds

Special Population Considerations

Carbotor requires specific precautions for certain patient populations:

• Pregnancy & Lactation: Categorized as Pregnancy Category D; reported to be found in human milk
• Elderly Patients: May require initial or subsequent dosage adjustments based on physical condition
• Patients with Renal Impairment: More likely to experience severe and prolonged myelotoxicity
• Previously Treated Patients: May experience increased frequency and intensity of neurotoxicity, particularly if previously treated with cisplatin

Administration Guidelines

For optimal therapeutic benefit and safety, healthcare providers should adhere to these administration guidelines:

• Courses should not be repeated more frequently than monthly under normal circumstances
• Premedication with antiemetics may reduce nausea and vomiting
• Prolongation of administration time (continuous infusion or over five consecutive days) may reduce gastrointestinal side effects
• Supportive transfusional therapy may be required for patients with severe myelosuppression
• Treatment should be discontinued if abnormal depression of bone marrow or abnormal renal/hepatic function occurs

Quality Assurance

Each Carbotor injection is manufactured under strict quality control protocols by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd., ensuring consistent potency, purity, and safety. With over three decades of pharmaceutical manufacturing experience, Eskayef has established itself as a provider of world-class medicines that meet international standards.

Storage & Handling

To maintain optimal efficacy and safety, Carbotor should be stored below 25°C in a dry place. Refrigeration should be avoided. As with all medications, Carbotor should be kept out of reach of children and handled according to established protocols for cytotoxic agents.

Conclusion

Carbotor 150 mg (Carboplatin) Injection represents an essential component in the treatment armamentarium against ovarian carcinoma. Its well-established efficacy in both initial and recurrent disease settings, combined with a manageable safety profile when properly administered, makes it a valuable option for oncologists treating this challenging condition. Through careful patient selection, appropriate dosing, and vigilant monitoring, healthcare providers can optimize the therapeutic benefits of Carbotor while minimizing potential risks, potentially improving outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer.