Introduction: Carboplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent used frequently in thoracic medicine on account of its relatively good tolerance. Nevertheless hypersensitivity reactions have been described.
Case reports: We report the cases of 2 patients, treated for undifferentiated bronchial carcinoma and carcinoma of the breast, presenting with hypersensitivity reactions to carboplatin developing after 6 and 8 courses respectively. The first patient presented with an irritant maculo-papular rash and the second with severe hypotension and bronchospasm. Neither of these reactions was fatal. Both of these reactions occurred when generic carboplatin was substituted for the propriety preparation.
Conclusion: Hypersensitivity reactions to carboplatin should be recognised by respiratory physicians on account of their potential seriousness and their occurrence after several courses of treatment. This takes on particular importance at a time when plans for domiciliary treatment of patients are being considered. In addition a national survey of hypersensitivity to carboplatin should be considered by the regional drug safety centres.