A 58-year-old woman with ovarian carcinoma receives carboplatin instead of cisplatin. Compared with cisplatin, the classic difference in her toxicity profile is that the dose-limiting toxicity of carboplatin is:
- A Severe nephrotoxicity requiring hydration
- B Thrombocytopenia ✓
- C Ototoxicity and peripheral neuropathy
- D Hemorrhagic cystitis
Correct answer: B. Thrombocytopenia
Explanation
Carboplatin produces far less nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity and neurotoxicity than cisplatin because it is less reactive and does not require aggressive prehydration. Its dose-limiting toxicity is myelosuppression, characteristically thrombocytopenia, and doses are calculated using target AUC rather than body surface area. Hemorrhagic cystitis belongs to cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, and the platinum sensory neuropathies are dominated by cisplatin and oxaliplatin.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
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