The Basics
What is Carboplatin?
Used to treat ovarian cancer; also used for other types of cancer, including lung, head and neck, endometrial, esophageal, bladder, breast, and cervical; central nervous system or germ cell tumors; osteogenic sarcoma; and as preparation for a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.
Brand names for Carboplatin
Paraplatin
How Carboplatin is classified
Antineoplastic Agents
Carboplatin During Pregnancy
Carboplatin pregnancy category
Category DNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Carboplatin while pregnant
Carboplatin has been shown to be embryotoxic and teratogenic in rats.There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. If this drug is usedduring pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving this drug, thepatient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearingpotential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant.
Taking Carboplatin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Carboplatin?
Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy, especially alkylating agents such as carboplatin.[1] It might be possible to breastfeed safely during intermittent therapy with an appropriate period of breastfeeding abstinence, but the duration of abstinence is not clear. In one case, carboplatin was still detectable in milk 13 days after a dose of 2.9 mg/kg. Chemotherapy may adversely affect the normal microbiome and chemical makeup of breastmilk.[2]Women who receive chemotherapy during pregnancy are more likely to have difficulty nursing their infant.[3]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy, especially alkylating agents such as carboplatin.[1] It might be possible to breastfeed safely during intermittent therapy with an appropriate period of breastfeeding abstinence, but the duration of abstinence is not clear. In one case, carboplatin was still detectable in milk 13 days after a dose of 2.9 mg/kg. Chemotherapy may adversely affect the normal microbiome and chemical makeup of breastmilk.[2]Women who receive chemotherapy during pregnancy are more likely to have difficulty nursing their infant.[3]
Possible effects of Carboplatin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Carboplatin
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Pistilli B, Bellettini G, Giovannetti E et al. Chemotherapy, targeted agents, antiemetics and growth-factors in human milk: How should we counsel cancer patients about breastfeeding? Cancer Treat Rev. 2013;39:207-11. PMID: 23199900
2. Urbaniak C, McMillan A, Angelini M, Gloor GB et al. Effect of chemotherapy on the microbiota and metabolome of human milk, a case report. Microbiome. 2014;2:24. PMID: 25061513
3. Stopenski S, Aslam A, Zhang X et al. After chemotherapy treatment for maternal cancer during pregnancy, is breastfeeding possible? Breastfeed Med. 2017;12:91-7. PMID: 28170295
4. Griffin SJ, Milla M, Baker TE, Liu T, Wang H, Hale TW. Transfer of carboplatin and paclitaxel into breast milk. J Hum Lact. 2012;28:457-9. PMID: 23087196
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
