The tools used in oncology pharmacy to determine appropriate dosages of specific chemotherapy agents, particularly those based on carboplatin, necessitate precision. These methodologies calculate the drug dose based on patient-specific parameters such as kidney function (glomerular filtration rate or creatinine clearance) and target area under the concentration-time curve (AUC). For instance, the Calvert formula is a well-known approach that uses the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the desired AUC to determine the carboplatin dose.
Accurate drug dosing is crucial to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing the risk of toxicities. Inaccurate calculation can lead to underdosing, potentially compromising treatment outcomes, or overdosing, increasing the likelihood of severe side effects. Implementing structured approaches to these calculations helps to standardize the process and reduce the risk of medication errors. Such practices have evolved from research demonstrating the relationship between carboplatin exposure (AUC) and clinical outcomes.
