How is carboplatin (CARB) and paclitaxel (TAX) given for anal canal cancer?

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Last updated: June 18, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Carboplatin et paclitaxel pour le cancer du canal anal sont généralement administrés sous forme de régime combiné tous les 21 jours (3 semaines) pour 2-3 cycles, concomitamment à la radiothérapie. Les études récentes, notamment l'étude InterAACT publiée en 2023 1, ont montré que le régime de carboplatine et de paclitaxel est préféré pour le traitement de première ligne du cancer du canal anal métastatique en raison de sa toxicité plus faible et de ses résultats encourageants en termes de survie sans progression et de survie globale. Voici les détails de l'administration :

  • La carboplatine est administrée à une dose de AUC 5 par voie intraveineuse le jour 1
  • Le paclitaxel est administré à une dose de 175 mg/m² par voie intraveineuse pendant 3 heures le jour 1 de chaque cycle Ce régime est souvent utilisé comme alternative au chimioradiation standard 5-FU/mitomycine C lorsque les patients ne peuvent pas tolérer ces agents en raison de contre-indications ou de préoccupations de toxicité. La dose de carboplatine est calculée en utilisant la formule de Calvert en fonction du taux de filtration glomérulaire (GFR) du patient. Avant l'administration, les patients doivent recevoir une prémedication standard pour prévenir les réactions d'hypersensibilité, notamment de la dexaméthasone, de la diphenhydramine et d'un bloqueur H2 tel que la famotidine. Une hydratation adéquate et une prophylaxie antiémétique sont également importantes. Ce régime fonctionne par des mécanismes complémentaires - le paclitaxel stabilise les microtubules, empêchant la division cellulaire, tandis que la carboplatine forme des ponts d'ADN, inhibant la réplication, agissant tous deux comme radiosensibilisateurs pour renforcer les effets de la radiothérapie concomitante. Les lignes directrices de pratique clinique en oncologie de la NCCN, version 2.2023 1, soulignent l'importance d'une approche multidisciplinaire pour le traitement du cancer du canal anal, y compris la chimiothérapie, la radiothérapie et la chirurgie, selon les cas.

From the Research

Administration of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel for Anal Canal Cancer

  • Carboplatin and paclitaxel can be administered as a chemotherapy regimen for anal canal cancer, particularly in cases where patients are not eligible for mitomycin and 5-fluorouracil 2.
  • The regimen typically involves weekly administration of carboplatin and paclitaxel concurrent with standard-dose radiation for localized anal cancer 2.
  • In advanced anal cancer, carboplatin and paclitaxel can be given as an alternative to cisplatin and fluorouracil, with a trend toward longer survival and reduced toxicity 3.

Efficacy and Toxicity

  • The efficacy of carboplatin and paclitaxel in anal canal cancer has been demonstrated in several studies, with overall response rates ranging from 39.3% to 59% 3, 4.
  • Common toxicities associated with this regimen include leukopenia, anemia, radiation dermatitis, diarrhea, and fatigue, with grade 3 or higher toxicities including neutropenic fever, neutropenia, and anemia 2.
  • Performance status and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio have been identified as significant predictors of progression-free survival in patients receiving carboplatin and paclitaxel for advanced anal cancer 4.

Comparison with Other Regimens

  • Carboplatin and paclitaxel have been compared to cisplatin and fluorouracil in a randomized phase II trial, with results suggesting that the former regimen may be associated with reduced toxicity and longer survival 3.
  • Paclitaxel and capecitabine have also been evaluated as a non-platinum based therapy for advanced anal cancer, with promising efficacy and moderate toxicity 4.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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