Carboplatin Dose Calculator (AUC-Based)

Calculate carboplatin chemotherapy doses using the Calvert formula and GFR estimation.

This calculator determines the optimal carboplatin dose for cancer patients based on the Calvert formula (AUC × [GFR + 25]). Enter the target AUC and either the patient's GFR or use the Cockcroft-Gault equation for GFR estimation. Supports personalized, safe, and effective chemotherapy planning.

Examples

Click on any example to load it into the calculator.

Direct GFR Input (Standard Case)

direct_gfr

AUC 5, GFR 80 mL/min entered directly.

Target AUC: 5

GFR: 80 mL/min

Cockcroft-Gault (Male)

cockcroft_gault_male

AUC 6, 65-year-old male, 75 kg, serum creatinine 1.2 mg/dL.

Target AUC: 6

Age: 65 years

Weight: 75 kg

Serum Creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL

Gender: Male

Cockcroft-Gault (Female)

cockcroft_gault_female

AUC 5, 58-year-old female, 60 kg, serum creatinine 0.9 mg/dL.

Target AUC: 5

Age: 58 years

Weight: 60 kg

Serum Creatinine: 0.9 mg/dL

Gender: Female

Borderline GFR (Elderly Patient)

borderline

AUC 4, 78-year-old male, 62 kg, serum creatinine 1.5 mg/dL.

Target AUC: 4

Age: 78 years

Weight: 62 kg

Serum Creatinine: 1.5 mg/dL

Gender: Male

Other Titles
Understanding Carboplatin Dose Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide
Master the science and application of AUC-based carboplatin dosing. Learn the formulas, clinical context, and best practices for safe, effective chemotherapy.

What is the Carboplatin Dose Calculator?

  • Core Concepts and Definitions
  • Why AUC-Based Dosing?
  • Role of GFR in Chemotherapy
The Carboplatin Dose Calculator is a clinical tool designed to determine the optimal dose of carboplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapy agent, using the Calvert formula. This approach personalizes dosing based on the patient's renal function (GFR) and the target AUC (Area Under Curve), ensuring both efficacy and safety.
Why Use AUC-Based Dosing?
AUC-based dosing tailors carboplatin exposure to individual patient characteristics, reducing the risk of toxicity and underdosing. It is the gold standard in oncology for carboplatin regimens.
GFR: The Key to Safe Chemotherapy
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) reflects kidney function and is critical for drugs eliminated renally. Accurate GFR estimation prevents overdosing in patients with impaired renal function.

Key Concepts:

  • AUC: Target area under the plasma concentration-time curve
  • GFR: Glomerular filtration rate, mL/min
  • Calvert Formula: Dose = AUC × (GFR + 25)
  • Cockcroft-Gault: GFR estimate using age, weight, serum creatinine, gender

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Carboplatin Calculator

  • Collecting Patient Data
  • Inputting Values Correctly
  • Interpreting Results
To use the Carboplatin Dose Calculator, gather the patient's AUC target, GFR (if available), or age, weight, serum creatinine, and gender for Cockcroft-Gault estimation. Enter these values into the calculator. The tool applies the Calvert formula and provides a recommended dose.
Data Entry Tips
Ensure all values are accurate and up-to-date. Use actual body weight unless otherwise specified by protocol. Double-check units for serum creatinine (mg/dL).
Understanding the Output
The result includes the calculated carboplatin dose, the GFR used, and the method of GFR determination. Use this information to guide chemotherapy planning and patient counseling.

Example Inputs:

  • AUC: 5, GFR: 80 mL/min
  • AUC: 6, Age: 65, Weight: 75 kg, Serum Creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL, Gender: Male

Real-World Applications of Carboplatin Dosing

  • Oncology Clinical Practice
  • Pharmacy and Dose Preparation
  • Patient Safety and Monitoring
Carboplatin dosing is a cornerstone of many cancer treatment protocols, including ovarian, lung, and head & neck cancers. Accurate dosing maximizes therapeutic benefit while minimizing adverse effects.
Pharmacy Workflow
Pharmacists use the calculator to verify and prepare individualized doses, ensuring compliance with oncology guidelines.
Patient Safety
Monitoring renal function and adjusting doses as needed is essential for patient safety throughout chemotherapy cycles.

Clinical Scenarios:

  • Ovarian cancer patient with reduced renal function
  • Elderly lung cancer patient with borderline GFR

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Myths about Carboplatin Dosing
  • Pitfalls in GFR Estimation
  • Best Practices
A common misconception is that fixed dosing is safe for all patients. In reality, renal function varies widely, and individualized dosing is critical. Another pitfall is using outdated or estimated weights/creatinine values.
Avoiding Errors
Always use the most recent and accurate patient data. Confirm units and calculation methods. Consult oncology guidelines for special populations (e.g., obese, elderly, pediatric).
Best Practices
Document all values and calculation steps in the patient's medical record. Recalculate doses if renal function changes during treatment.

Best Practice Principles:

  • Use actual body weight for Cockcroft-Gault unless otherwise specified
  • Recalculate dose if serum creatinine or weight changes
  • Consult guidelines for dose capping in special populations

Mathematical Derivation and Example Calculations

  • Calvert Formula Explained
  • Cockcroft-Gault Equation
  • Worked Examples
The Calvert formula for carboplatin dosing is: Dose (mg) = Target AUC × (GFR + 25). GFR can be measured directly or estimated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation: CrCl = [(140 – age) × weight (kg)] / [72 × serum creatinine (mg/dL)] × 0.85 (if female).
Example Calculation 1: Direct GFR
AUC 5, GFR 80 mL/min: Dose = 5 × (80 + 25) = 5 × 105 = 525 mg.
Example Calculation 2: Cockcroft-Gault
AUC 6, Age 65, Weight 75 kg, Serum Creatinine 1.2 mg/dL, Male: CrCl = [(140-65)×75]/(72×1.2) = (75×75)/(86.4) ≈ 65.1 mL/min. Dose = 6 × (65.1 + 25) ≈ 6 × 90.1 ≈ 540.6 mg.

Mathematical Examples:

  • AUC 5, GFR 80: Dose = 5 × (80 + 25) = 525 mg
  • AUC 6, CrCl 65.1: Dose = 6 × (65.1 + 25) = 540.6 mg