Carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions

Carboplatin is used widely to treat cancers such as lung, breast, and ovarian. Hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to carboplatin can occur, often after numerous doses. The reactions can range from mild to life threatening. Oncology nurses witness the reactions and are instrumental in providing interventions to assist patients. Symptoms include flushing, rashes, itchy palms, nausea, difficulty breathing, back pain, hypotension, and tachycardia. Interventions include support of patients with oxygen and IV hydration along with administration of certain medications to diffuse HSRs. Predictive measures may include skin testing on patients who have received more than seven total doses of carboplatin, Desensitization protocols may be useful for patients with positive skin tests. Ultimately, with the potential for life-threatening reactions, patients and physicians need to consider the risk-to-benefit ratio of using the drug.