carboplatin + etoposide phosphate

Carboplatin + etoposide phosphate is a combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of two cytotoxic agents. Carboplatin is a platinum-based compound that forms DNA crosslinks, inhibiting DNA synthesis and function, leading to cell death. Etoposide phosphate is a water-soluble prodrug of etoposide (a topoisomerase II inhibitor), which interferes with the re-ligation step of the DNA breakage-reunion reaction catalyzed by topoisomerase II, resulting in errors in DNA synthesis and promoting apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells. This combination is primarily used for the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) but may also be used for other malignancies such as brain tumors and retinoblastoma. The regimen can be administered intravenously or orally (for etoposide), with dosing adjusted based on renal function using formulas like Calvert for carboplatin[1][2][3][5]. Etoposide phosphate offers improved solubility over standard etoposide, allowing for more flexible administration[5]. The combination has demonstrated efficacy in elderly patients with SCLC and shows an acceptable toxicity profile[2].

Other names

carboplatin and etoposide phosphateC+EP