Adverse affects of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin Combination Chemotherapy in Epithelial Gynecologic Cancer
Chumnan Kietpeerakool, MD*, Prapaporn Suprasert, MD*, Jatupol Srisomboon, MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai
Objective : To evaluate the adverse affects of paclitaxel and carboplatin combination chemotherapy.
Design : Descriptive cross sectional study
Materials and Methods : Patients with epithelial cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube and peritoneum treated
with paclitaxel and carboplatin combination chemotherapy at Chiang Mai University Hospital between
August 2003 and August 2004.
Results : Of 224 evaluable cycles in 63 patients treated with paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC
5), grade 3 and 4 neutropenia occurred in 37.1% or 41.3% of patients. 4.8% of patients experienced febrile
neutropenia. Grade 3 and 4 leukopenia occurred in 8.6% of courses and 12.6% of patients. Grade 3 anemia
occurred in 5.2% of courses and 9.5% of patients. Grade 3 thrombocytopenia occurred in 2.8% of courses
and 9.6% of patients. The nonhematologic adverse affects were rare, however, some adverse events may be
potentially life threatening.
Conclusion : Adverse affects of paclitaxel and carboplatin combination chemotherapy are acceptable and
manageable in the majority of patients.
Keywords : Adverse affects, Paclitaxel, Carboplatin, Epithelial gynecologic cancer
