Paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy regimen

The chemotherapy regimen of paclitaxel and carboplatin is one of the frequently applied chemotherapy regimens in clinical practice and can be applied in general to ovarian cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and, in addition, to head and neck tumors. Paclitaxel is a novel anti-microtubule chemotherapeutic agent that causes the aggregation of microtubules into clusters and bundles and inhibits the normal reorganization of the microtubule network. The combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin has certain side effects, a common one being bone marrow suppression. Paclitaxel application is associated with allergic reactions, which can be severe with decreased blood pressure and respiratory distress. Therefore, adrenocorticosteroids, antihistamines, and H2 receptor antagonists must be used to prevent allergic reactions prior to paclitaxel application. The most serious side effect of carboplatin is thrombocytopenia in myelosuppression; therefore, after applying carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy regimens, it is important to review blood tests and observe the myelosuppression.