palbociclib + carboplatin

Palbociclib + Carboplatin is an investigational combination therapy that was evaluated for the treatment of unresectable recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Palbociclib (Ibrance), developed by Pfizer, is a selective small-molecule inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6), which are critical regulators of the cell cycle transition from G1 to S phase. Carboplatin is a platinum-based cytotoxic chemotherapy agent that induces DNA damage through the formation of intra-strand crosslinks. The combination was studied in the Phase II CarPal trial, sponsored by the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, to determine if CDK4/6 inhibition could enhance the efficacy of platinum therapy in HNSCC patients who had not received prior cytotoxic chemotherapy in the metastatic setting. However, the trial demonstrated insufficient anti-tumor activity and significant hematologic toxicity, particularly myelosuppression, leading to the conclusion that the regimen is not a viable treatment option for this population.

Brand names

IbranceParaplatin

Other names

Palbociclib and Carboplatin combinationCarPal regimen