Comment: Evaluation of the Modified Diet in Renal Disease Equation for Calculation of Carboplatin Dose

What is it about?

Shord et al.1 reported similar frequencies of thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and the need for carboplatin dosage modifications between Cockcroft-Gault and Jelliffe formulas vs the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. These are similar to our previous findings (de Lemos et al. Gyne Oncol 2006) and findings by others.

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Why is it important?

The MDRD equation allows for the automatic reporting of estimated GFR as part of renal biochemistry. This may reduce potential calculation errors. Results by Shord et al. suggest that it is reasonable to use either equation to guide carboplatin dosing if measured GFR is not available, provided that the same estimation method is used during a particular course of treatment. A similar recommendation has been made by the British National Formulary, as well as by expert consensus in Australia and New Zealand.