In a nutshell
This study examined whether patients had a higher risk of thromboembolism depending on the chemotherapy drug they received. The study concluded that patients treated with carboplatin had no difference in the risk of thromboembolism compared to patients treating with cisplatin.
Some background
Chemotherapy is one of the most well-known and important cancer therapies available. Some common chemotherapy treatments include platinum-based drugs such as carboplatin (Paraplatin) and cisplatin (Platinol). While studies have shown similar effectiveness of both drugs, there have been fewer side effects associated with carboplatin, and carboplatin is therefore more frequently used to treat lung cancer. Patients on chemotherapy, particularly cisplatin, have a higher risk of thromboembolism (TE, blood clot that blocks a vessel). It is not clear whether the risk of TE is higher in patients treated with carboplatin compared to cisplatin. As carboplatin is a frequently used treatment, this needs to be examined.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to compare the rate of developing TE during chemotherapy with either carboplatin or cisplatin.
The records of 415 patients with lung cancer who were treated with platinum-based chemotherapy were included. Of these, 317 patients were treated with carboplatin while 98 patients were treating with cisplatin.
Overall, 47 patients had a TE during treatment or within 4 weeks after treatment. Of the group of patients treated with carboplatin, 10.9% of patients had TE. Of the group of patients treated with cisplatin, 14.3% had TE. This difference was not statistically signifcant.
The bottom line
The authors conclude that there was no difference in the risk of TE in patients treated with carboplatin compared to patients treated with cisplatin.
What’s next?
Discuss the risk of TE and ways to prevent it with your doctor.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Jan 04, 2018
