A1615
Information leaflet on Carboplatin and Abraxane chemotherapy
This leaflet provides information on Carboplatin and Abraxane chemotherapy. It will explain what this is and when and how it is given. It will also tell you about possible side effects. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on your treatment are given at the end of the leaflet.
This leaflet should be read alongside the ‘General information for patients receiving chemotherapy’ folder. If you haven’t received this folder please ask your nurse for a copy.
What is Carboplatin and Abraxane?
Carboplatin and Abraxane is a chemotherapy that is given in a drip. Abraxane is a new chemotherapy treatment using a well established drug called paclitaxel. Abraxane is prepared in a different way to standard paclitaxel. This reduces the possibility of allergic reactions.
Why am I having Carboplatin and Abraxane?
Your doctor has prescribed this chemotherapy because it has been found to be effective in treating your type of cancer.
How often will I receive my treatment?
For this treatment to be most effective it is given at specific time intervals. These are known as cycles. You will receive your treatment weekly.
Once every 3 weeks you will be given the Carboplatin and Abraxane chemotherapy, followed by 2 weeks of just Abraxane.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Your treatment will usually be on a different day to your clinic appointment. The chemotherapy treatment takes approximately 2.5 hours. Please allow extra time for your first treatment.
You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during your treatment. Space is limited so there is not usually room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young children.
How often will I see the specialist team?
You will see the specialist team before each cycle. You will have blood tests before each treatment. We will check how you are feeling and discuss any problems you may have. This is so we can check how the chemotherapy is affecting you. If your blood results are satisfactory, your chemotherapy will be prescribed.
How will my chemotherapy be given?
Your chemotherapy is given through a drip into a vein in the back of your hand or arm. If needed we may suggest that a fine tube called a PICC is inserted into a large vein in your upper arm. This will remain in place throughout your treatment. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this with you and give you a leaflet, if required.
What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur. The doctor, nurses and pharmacy team can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur. The doctor, nurses and pharmacy team can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
Hair loss
It is unusual for patients to lose their hair with this chemotherapy. However, occasionally some patients receiving chemotherapy may experience hair thinning.
Sickness
Nausea and vomiting are uncommon these days as we give you anti-sickness medicines which are usually extremely effective. If you are sick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine contact Velindre Cancer Centre. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Infection
You are at an increased risk of picking up infections because your white blood cells which help fight infections can be reduced by this treatment.
If you develop an infection whilst your white blood cells are low, you are at risk of sepsis, this can be life threatening.
Contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you develop any signs of infection, for example flu like symptoms or a temperature above 37.5°centigrade or if your temperature is below 35.5°. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Diarrhoea
You may experience diarrhoea with Carboplatin and Abraxane. If you have 4 or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you, contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Tiredness and fatigue
You may feel more tired than usual. It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as rest.
Anaemia
Carboplatin can cause you to become anaemic, it is common for patients receiving carboplatin to require a blood transfusion. Your team will monitor your bloods to check for anaemia.
Allergic type reaction
A small number of patients experience an allergic type reaction. If this occurs you may feel hot or flushed, itchy, light-headed or generally unwell whilst receiving your carboplatin. This can be easily treated. Please tell your nurse immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It is important that you do not become pregnant or father a child during your course of chemotherapy treatment, or for at least six months after treatment. This is because chemotherapy can harm an unborn child.
Breastfeeding during chemotherapy is not advised as the drugs could be passed to a baby through breast milk.
Women sometimes find that chemotherapy treatment affects their periods. They could become heavier, lighter or even stop altogether.
Blood clots
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information
Effects on the nerves of your hands and feet
Abraxane can affect the nerves of your hands and feet. This may lead to a loss of sensation, tingling or pins and needles. If this occurs please tell your doctor or nurse at your next clinic visit as we may need to change your treatment.
These symptoms may increase as you have more cycles of chemotherapy. It is important to be extra careful when exposing your hands and feet to hot or cold temperatures. These symptoms usually go away within a few months of finishing your treatment.
Painful or aching joints
Some patients have noticed that they have pains or aches in their joints. This is most likely to occur 2-3 days after each treatment. Let your doctor or nurse know if this happens as we can give you pain killers to help.
Other side-effects:
Your team will monitor your bloods to check how your kidneys are working, as Carboplatin can sometimes affect your kidneys
Carboplatin may also affect your hearing, please inform your team if you have any ringing in your ears or hearing loss.
Sometimes Carboplatin can cause tingling or numbness of the hands and feet, please inform your team if you experience these symptoms.
This chemotherapy can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. It is best to avoid strong sunlight and wear a hat and use a sun block when in the sun.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any side-effects.
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and commonly reported side-effects (we are unable to list all of the common side effects), for more information regarding these and the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888
Ask for the treatment helpline if you are unwell at home and need immediate advice at any time of the day or night. For example you should phone if you:
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
This information is also available in Welsh
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.
Prepared January 2023