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Side chain oxidation of ifosfamide in man.

Ifosfamide as well as its stable alkylating metabolites namely carboxy-Ifosfamide and two dechloroethylated compounds were determined in the urine of a patient with progredient lung carcinoma who had been treated with 6 g of the drug. Quantitative measurements were carried out using a colorimetric procedure which consists of TL-spectrophotometric determinations on sheets which had previously been sprayed with 4-pyridinaldehyde-2-benzothiazolylhydrazone. In the case investigated the Ifosfamide was found to have been converted largely into two dechloroethylated compounds (48%) and only a small portion of carboxy-Ifosfamide (2.2%).

Alkylation↗

Epidoxorubicin plus ifosfamide in advanced and/or metastatic soft-tissue sarcomas.

We undertook this phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of epidoxorubicin and ifosfamide in the treatment of locally advanced and/or metastatic soft-tissue sarcomas. We used escalating doses of epidoxorubicin (from 60 to 75 mg/m2) on day 1 and 1.2 g/m2 ifosfamide on days 1-5. Chemotherapy courses were repeated every 3-4 weeks. A total of 16 patients--13 who had not previously been treated and 3 who had undergone prior therapy with anthracyclines--entered the study. In all, 15 patients were evaluable for response and 16, for toxicity. At least two courses of chemotherapy were given. A complete remission (CR) was seen in 1 patient, a partial remission (PR) in 5, and a minor response (MR) in 1, for an objective response rate (CR + PR) of 40% (6/15); this value reached 50% in non-pretreated patients (6/12). Stable disease (SD) was observed in 40% (6/15) of patients. The relative dose intensity of epidoxorubicin ranged from 10 to 23.3 mg/m2 (median, 16.6 mg/m2). The time to objective response ranged from 4 to 12 weeks (median, 8.5 weeks). The duration of response was 4 months for the single CR, and that for the five PRs was 6+ months (range, 4-18 months). Toxicity was evaluated according to WHO criteria in 16 patients; it was mild and consisted mainly of alopecia, nausea and vomiting, and leucopenia. In only three patients did we observe grade 3 leucopenia. In one case an ifosfamide-associated encephalopathy occurred, but it regressed after 24 h. Neither chronic nor acute cardiac toxicity was reported. In this preliminary analysis, the response rate obtained with the combination of epidoxorubicin and ifosfamide was encouraging and the toxicity was acceptable.

Adolescent↗

Urine mesna excretion after intravenous and oral dosing in ifosfamide-treated children.

PURPOSE: To describe mesna excretion in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 14 children (aged 1-18 years) who received 1.8 g/m(2) of ifosfamide per day for 5 days. For uroprotection, the children were given intravenous mesna (equal to 20% of the ifosfamide dose) followed by two oral doses (each equal to 40% of the ifosfamide dose). The concentrations of mesna and the metabolite dimesna were measured in urine samples collected on treatment days 1 and 5. RESULTS: Of 14 patients enrolled, 11 (aged 4-18 years) were evaluable. The profiles of mesna excretion rates were similar on days 1 and 5. Mesna excretion declined rapidly over 1-2 h after intravenous dosing. Increases in mesna excretion after oral dosing lagged by 2-4 h. About 21% of the mesna administered was excreted unchanged over 24 h on both days 1 and 5. The proportion excreted varied by severalfold between patients, but there was no association with age. CONCLUSION: The profile of mesna excretion after intravenous and oral dosing in these children was similar to that in reported studies of ifosfamide-treated adults.

Administration, Oral↗

A phase II study of dose-intense ifosfamide plus epirubicin with hematopoietic growth factors for the treatment of patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas; a novel sequential schedule.

PURPOSE: The efficacy and feasibility of a novel sequential schedule of high-dose ifosfamide (HD-IFO) and full-dose epirubicin (EPI) with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was evaluated in adult patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STS). METHODS: Since November 1995, 22 chemotherapy-naive patients have been treated. HD-IFO was given as a continuous infusion at a total dose of 14-18 g/m2 per cycle, with mesna, over 6 to 8 days, q 3 weeks, twice. EPI was administered subsequently as an i.v. bolus at a total dose of 120-160 mg/m2, on days 1-2, q 2 weeks, twice. G-CSF was planned for each course of treatment as a daily subcutaneous injection for 7 days, starting 24 h after the end of the treatment. After the first four cycles, patients were evaluated for surgery and patients with locally inoperable or metastatic disease received further chemotherapy up to a maximum of eight cycles. RESULTS: The response of 19 patients could be assessed. One complete response (CR) and six partial responses (PRs) were achieved for an overall response rate of 37% (95% confidence interval, 15-59%). Noteworthy is that two of the six leiomyosarcoma patients responded to the HD-IFO treatment. The median survival period was 15 months. Most common toxicities included myelosuppression, nausea and vomiting, and stomatitis. Six patients were hospitalized for complicated nadir fever. No severe renal and CNS toxicities were seen. Transient gross hematuria occurred in six patients and affected treatment in only one case. There were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: By the protraction of continuous infusion of HD-IFO over 6 to 8 days, ifosfamide-induced acute renal toxicity is avoided, while G-CSF support allows the delivery of the planned dose intensity in most of the patients. Although manageable in an oncology setting, the hematologic toxicity of such a regimen remains substantial. Moreover, in terms of efficacy and median survival, this regimen showed no benefits over a conventional-dose anthracycline-ifosfamide schema. Further evaluations of this novel ifosfamide-epirubicin schedule are not warranted, even if the HD-IFO regimen could be taken forward specifically for leiomyosarcomas in a phase II trial.

Adolescent↗

Phase I clinical and pharmacokinetic study of combination chemotherapy with topotecan and ifosfamide in patients with progressive or relapsed solid tumors.

PURPOSE: Topotecan and ifosfamide are effective in the treatment of various solid tumors. Up to the time of this study, the two drugs have been combined just once (Smith et al. 1998). Due to its hematotoxicity, topotecan has been used predominantly within monochemotherapy protocols. However, the combination of topotecan and alkylating agents is supra-additive in many preclinical models. This phase-I trial was primarily performed to evaluate the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of a combination chemotherapy with topotecan and ifosfamide using a 5-day schedule. A secondary goal was to estimate the response rate in a group of heavily pretreated patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS: The pharmacokinetics of topotecan were preliminarily determined in some of the patients. A total of 12 patients (three female/nine male), median age 49 years (range 19-69), 11 with prior chemotherapy, received a total of 24 courses of chemotherapy at three dose-levels of topotecan. Ifosfamide was administered by intravenous infusion over 3 h immediately followed by a 30-min infusion of topotecan. Mesna (3 x 300 mg x m(2) x day) was given routinely during chemotherapy as a uroprotector. G-CSF (filgrastim) was permitted only in cases of febrile neutropenia (FN). RESULTS: The major toxicity was non-hematologic; severe liver and renal toxicity were observed in three out of 11 patients. Two treatment-related deaths occurred. No clinical remissions occurred in 11 evaluable patients. The pharmacokinetics of topotecan were relatively similar in our patients and supported findings in recent literature. The MTD of this combination was defined at dose-level 2 (1.0 mg/m(2) of topotecan and 750 mg/m(2) of ifosfamide). CONCLUSIONS: Further trials should not exceed this dose. The pharmacological causes for the pronounced toxicity have to be clarified.

Adult↗

Chemotherapy in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme: ifosfamide versus temozolomide.

PURPOSE: Despite the progress made in neurosurgery and radiotherapy, the prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GB) is poor, due to the lack of an effective salvage therapy. In vitro analysis revealed activity for ifosfamide and temozolomide. The usefulness of these agents in recurrent disease was investigated. METHODS: Six adult patients with recurrent GB received one to four courses of 1,500 mg/m2 ifosfamide given over 5 days intravenously. Furthermore, temozolomide (100-200 mg/m2) was given orally over 5 days to 14 patients. RESULTS: After ifosfamide treatment, one partial response and two cases of stable disease were observed. The median survival time was 24 weeks (range of 9-52 weeks). Toxicity analysis revealed one paranoid reaction, three grade III leukocytopenia, and one grade I-II nausea, anemia, and hematuria. Temozolomide therapy resulted in three partial responses and four cases of stable disease. The median survival time (Kaplan-Meier) was 21 weeks (range 4-64 weeks). The major toxicities were grade I-II nausea and hematological side effects (one case of grade IV leuko- and thrombocytopenia). CONCLUSIONS: Ifosfamide treatment might be a feasible approach, but it necessitates hospitalization. Temozolomide showed promising results. Due to its oral application, the patient's quality of life (time out of hospital) is favorable. Subgroups with improved survival were observed.

Adult↗

Alternating sequential chemotherapy with high-dose ifosfamide and doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide for adult non-small round cell soft tissue sarcomas.

Doxorubicin and ifosfamide are the two most active agents used to treat soft tissue sarcomas. However, because of their overlapping side effects, concurrent administration to achieve optimal doses of each agent is difficult. We therefore conducted a Phase II trial to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of a novel alternating sequential chemotherapy regimen consisting of high dose ifosfamide and doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide in advanced adult non-small round cell soft tissue sarcomas. Adult patients with non-small round cell soft tissue sarcomas were enrolled. The treatment consisted of four sequential courses of chemotherapy that was planned for every 3 weeks. Cycles 1 and 3 consisted of ifosfamide (14 g/m(2)), and cycles 2 and 4 consisted of doxorubicin (60 mg/m(2)) and cyclophosphamide (1200 mg/m(2)). Forty-two patients (median age 47 years) were enrolled. Of the 36 assessable patients, 1 complete response and 16 partial responses were observed, for a response rate of 47.2%. Responses were observed in 57% of patients who had received no previous chemotherapy and 13% of those who had previously undergone chemotherapy. Grade 3-4 neutropenia was observed during 70% of all cycles. Sequential administration of high-dose ifosfamide and doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide has promising activity with manageable side effects in patients with advanced adult non-small round cell soft tissue sarcomas.

Adult↗

Intraabdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumor: results of ifosfamide-based chemotherapy.

Intraabdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumor (IDSRT) is a rare neoplasm, which is malignant and typically occurs in young adults. Although IDSRT is chemotherapy-sensitive, most cases do not achieve a complete response (CR). Even if some cases achieve a CR, they often relapse and result in poor prognosis. We report two cases of IDSRT, in a 24-year-old man and a 23-year-old man, who were treated with ifosfamide-based chemotherapy. Case 1, a 24-year-old man, presented with an abdominal mass, and the diagnosis of the biopsy specimen at laparoscopy was IDSRT. He received 7 courses of ifosfamide-based chemotherapy, which obtained a partial response (PR). He had no surgical resection, except for the biopsy procedure, and he underwent a total of 21 courses of chemotherapy. He died 36 months after diagnosis because of tumor regrowth and peritoneal bleeding. Case 2, a 23-year-old man, whose biopsy material allowed a diagnosis of IDSRT, was treated with 18 courses of chemotherapy, using ifosfamide, that resulted in a PR. This was followed by resection of the abdominal lesions, and he received an additional 2 courses of adjuvant chemotherapy. Four months after, completion of these 2 courses, the tumor recurred, and he died of diffuse pulmonary metastasis 36 months after diagnosis. This case report examines the results of ifosfamide-based chemotherapy in our two patients.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

The effect of ifosfamide and its metabolites on intracellular glutathione levels in vitro and in vivo.

The effect of ifosfamide and its metabolites on intracellular levels of glutathione in P388 cells in vitro has been studied. It is demonstrated that glutathione depletion occurs only in the presence of 4-hydroperoxyifosfamide and chloroacetaldehyde. In contrast isophosphoramide mustard had no effect on glutathione levels in intact cells. The concentration of 4-hydroperoxyifosfamide required to reduce glutathione levels by 50% was approximately 1 mM and this represents a concentration far in excess of that achievable in patients receiving the drug. However the concentration of chloroacetaldehyde (approximately 100 microM) required to reduce intracellular levels of glutathione to a similar extent is attained in patients receiving ifosfamide. The glutathione levels in lymphocytes isolated from a patient undergoing an eight hour infusion of ifosfamide showed a marked decrease to about 30% of their original value. We conclude that ifosfamide causes glutathione depletion in vivo and the majority of this can be accounted for by the production of chloroacetaldehyde.

Acetaldehyde↗

Ifosfamide induced stress response in human lymphocytes.

Ifosfamide, an isomer of cyclophosphamide, has been shown to be one of the most effective antineoplastic agents for the treatment of human malignancies. There is considerable evidence that the intracellular status of glutathione (GSH) plays a major role in modifying the cytotoxicity of ifosfamide in cells and tissues. We have studied the effects of 4-hydroperoxy-ifosfamide (4-OOH-IF) upon the proliferation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and the intracellular GSH content. The major finding was that occurrence of significant inhibition of [3H]-thymidine incorporation in interleukin-2 (IL-2) expanded PBL after exposure with 4-OOH-IF was accompanied by substantial depletion of intracellular GSH content in these cells. PBL seemed to be more sensitive to this drug induced effect comparing our results obtained in other cells (e.g. Ewing sarcoma, Chinese hamster ovary). In PBL 4-OOH-IF also induced rapid phosphorylation of the small heat shock protein (HSP27) signaling a similar type of stress response as reported for several other agents (e.g. arsenite, phorbol ester, tumor necrosis factor). Reconstitution of the depleted GSH content in PBL after treatment with 4-OOH-IF could be achieved by GSH-monoethylester and mesna within 24 hours of postincubation time. From these results we conclude that human lymphocytes are sensitive targets for ifosfamide induced metabolic stress during treatment. This might have further importance in regard to the immunological function of these cells.

Blotting, Western↗

Pharmacokinetics, metabolism and clinical effect of ifosfamide in breast cancer patients.

Ifosfamide (IFO) at a dose of 5 g/m2, was administered as a 24-h infusion to 15 patients with metastatic (12) or locally advanced (3) breast cancer (age range 33-59 years, median 46). Concurrent chemotherapy was doxorubicin (40 mg/m2) or epirubicin (60 mg/m2). Ifosfamide and its metabolites were measured in plasma and urine during and for 24 h after the infusion using a high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique. Patients' haematological toxicity and biochemistry were monitored during treatment and patients were followed for up to 2 years after therapy. At the time of evaluation, 5 of the patients were alive, 2 of whom had not relapsed. A marked variation was observed in the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of ifosfamide in the evaluable patients. Clearance, volume of distribution and half-life of the drug were 3.48 +/- 0.88 1/h/m2, 0.56 +/- 0.22 l/kg and 4.68 +/- 2.01 h, respectively. There was no apparent correlation between these pharmacokinetic variables and patient age, weight or renal function. AUCs of the ultimate alkylating species isophosphoramide mustard (IPM) varied over 6-fold, as did those of the inactivated metabolite carboxyifosfamide (CX). AUCs of dechloroethylated metabolites varied 4-fold (3-dechloroethylifosfamide, 3-DCI) or 8-fold (2-DCI), while that of the parent compound varied only 2.5-fold. Variation in recovery of the metabolites in urine varied over an even wider range, total recovery varying from 17.5 to 81.8% of the dose administered. There was little apparent correlation between pharmacokinetic and metabolite parameters of IFO and haematological toxicity. However, there was a marked negative correlation between both progression-free interval and survival and the AUCs of the products of IFO activation (IPM and CX). In addition, the recovery of IPM in urine was higher in patients experiencing a partial response compared to those with progressive or stable disease. Recovery of dechloroethylated metabolites correlated positively with survival, if 1 poor prognosis patient was excluded. Although far from conclusive, these results give some insight into a possible mechanism of action of ifosfamide and indicate that some species other than IPM, as measured systemically, is responsible for the pharmacological effects of this drug.

Adult↗

Dose related effects of ifosfamide on enterocyte apoptosis in different sites of the rabbit intestine.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the potential dose related apoptotic effect of subchronic administration of the alkylating chemotherapeutic agent ifosfamide in different sites of the small and large rabbit intestine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty New Zealand White rabbits received intravenously every week, for 10 weeks, 0 (group S, controls, n = 5), 30 (group A, n = 5), 45 (group B, n = 5) or 60 mg/kg ifosfamide (group C, n = 5). One day after the end of the treatment period, segments of jejunum, ileum, cecum, proximal and distal colon were excised. Intestinal mucosa apoptosis was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis and quantified by DNA fragmentation and standard terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP)-biotin nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assays by which the percentage of fragmented DNA and the ratio of apoptotic cells per crypt (apoptotic index) were determined, respectively. RESULTS: At low dose (group A), ifosfamide had minor apoptotic effect on enterocytes, which was enhanced mainly in the small intestine when the dose was increased (group B); at the highest dose tested (group C), this effect was extended to the large intestine. In all groups of animals, the observed crypt cell apoptosis was maximal in the ileum, while minimal in the proximal colon. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a dose and intestinal site-dependent induction of enterocyte apoptosis after subchronic ifosfamide administration in the rabbit.

Animals↗

A phase I study of ifosfamide, paclitaxel, and carboplatin in advanced and recurrent cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To determine toxicity and establish a maximum tolerated dose of outpatient therapy with ifosfamide, paclitaxel, and carboplatin in women with advanced and recurrent cervical cancer. METHODS: Eligible patients had stage IVB, recurrent or persistent cervical cancer that was not amenable to curative treatment with surgery or radiation therapy. A dose escalation through four dose levels was planned. Dose limiting toxicities were defined as grade 3 or grade 4 hematologic toxicity persistent to day 1 of the next scheduled cycle, grade 2 or higher central neurologic symptoms related to ifosfamide and grade 3 or grade 4 peripheral neuropathy. RESULTS: Twelve patients, aged 29 to 71, received 64 treatments and were evaluable for toxicity. No patient was withdrawn from the study due to toxicity. Two patients had received prior radiation therapy without chemotherapy, and seven patients had received radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy. No dose limiting toxicity occurred at dose levels 1 or 2. Three dose reductions occurred at dose level 3 due to neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The maximum tolerated dose is ifosfamide 2 g/m(2) over 2 h, paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) over 1 h, and carboplatin at an AUC of 5 over 45 min. Grade 3 or grade 4 neutropenia was seen in 11 subjects. Two patients required growth factor support. Grade 3 or grade 4 anemia was seen in one patient. Grade 3 or grade 4 neuropathy was seen in one patient. Other grade 3 or grade 4 non-hematologic toxicity included muscle weakness, myalgia, cough, and shortness of breath. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with ifosfamide 2 g/m(2), paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2), carboplatin AUC = 5 appears to be a safe regimen for the outpatient treatment of women with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer and warrants phase II investigation.

Adult↗

Ifosfamide encephalopathy presenting with asterixis.

CNS toxic effects of the antineoplastic agent ifosfamide (IFX) are frequent and include a variety of neurological symptoms that can limit drug use. We report a case of a 51-year-old man who developed severe, disabling negative myoclonus of the upper and lower extremities after the infusion of ifosfamide for plasmacytoma. He was awake, revealed no changes of mental status and at rest there were no further motor symptoms. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging and extensive laboratory studies failed to reveal structural lesions of the brain and metabolic abnormalities. An electroencephalogram showed continuous, generalized irregular slowing with admixed periodic triphasic waves indicating symptomatic encephalopathy. The administration of ifosfamide was discontinued and within 12 h the asterixis resolved completely. In the patient described, the presence of asterixis during infusion of ifosfamide, normal laboratory findings and imaging studies and the resolution of symptoms following the discontinuation of the drug suggest that negative myoclonus is associated with the use of IFX.

Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced↗

Phase II study of tamoxifen, ifosfamide, epirubicin and cisplatin combination chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer failing previous chemotherapy.

We conducted a phase II study of tamoxifen, ifosfamide, epirubicin, and cisplatin (TIEP) chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had failed previous chemotherapy, in order to assess the response and toxicity of TIEP. Between November 1997 and May 1999, 25 patients were treated. Twelve of the 25 patients (48%) had been previously treated with cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy. TIEP doses were tamoxifen 60 mg oral twice daily on days 1-3; ifosfamide 2.4 g/m(2) intravenous infusion (IV) 60 min with mesna on day 2; epirubicin 40 mg/m(2) IV bolus on day 2; and cisplatin 50 mg/m(2) IV 60 min on day 2 every 4 weeks for up to six cycles. Seventy one cycles were given to 25 patients, with a median of three cycles (range one to six cycles). All patients were evaluable for toxicity profile and response rate. As expected, the major toxicity was myelosuppression. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 15 patients (60%) during treatment, as well as in 31% of the total courses. Febrile neutropenia occurred in two patients. No toxic death occurred in this study. Grade 3 thrombocytopenia occurred in five patients with five cycles. Toxicities other than myelosuppression were few and mild in severity. After two cycles of treatment, five of 25 patients (20%) had a partial response (95% confidence interval 4.3-35.7%). Among 12 patients previously treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy, three patients (25%) achieved a partial response. The median time to disease progression was 4.9 months and median survival was 7.7 months. The response rate and median survival were better than in our previous study of salvage chemotherapy with ifosfamide, 5-FU, and leucovorin; and with ifosfamide, epirubicin, 5-FU, and leucovorin. In conclusion, TIEP appears to be an active combination regimen with an acceptable toxicity profile in Chinese patients with NSCLC who have failed previous chemotherapy.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Phase II study of paclitaxel (Taxol) and ifosfamide (Holoxan) in inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer.

A total of 27 patients with advanced previously untreated non-small-cell lung cancer were treated with paclitaxel and ifosfamide. The starting dose of paclitaxel was 175 mg/m2 given for 3 h by intravenous infusion on day 1. Ifosfamide 4 g/m2 was given for 4 h by intravenous infusion on day 2. Dosage of the two drugs was modified according to nadir white blood count after each cycle. Involved in the treatment were 17 males and 10 female patients. The median age was 61 years (range 47-71 years) and the median Karnofsky performance status was 70% (range 60-90%), 13 cases were stage IIIb and 14 cases were stage IV. One case was not evaluable due to lost follow-up after a single dose of chemotherapy. There were five cases not determined due to a timing error. Of 21 evaluable cases, eight achieved partial response (PR 38%, confidence interval 18.1-61.5%), seven achieved stable disease, two had a minor response. The median survival time of the whole group was 255 days (range from 38 to 567 days). The major toxicities were myalgia; arthralgia and neuropathies. Throughout the study, only three cases (15%) were treated at dose level 0. After the first cycle, 18 cases were treated at dose level 1, after a second cycle, 13 cases were treated at dose level 2. Three cases with grade 3 leukopenia were seen at dose level 0. At dose level 1, two cases had grade 3 leukopenia. At dose level 2, four episodes of grade 3 leukopenia were noted. It is concluded that paclitaxel can be combined safely with ifosfamide at these dosage levels. The response rates were comparable to the other chemotherapy combination in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. The survival results were acceptable and comparable to the cisplatin-containing regimen. This study indicates that combinations of paclitaxel and/or ifosfamide with other agents, such as gemcitabine and vinorelbine, should be explored.

Adult↗

Ifosfamide in combination chemotherapy for sarcomas and testicular carcinomas.

The efficacy of ifosfamide combination chemotherapy was studied in 164 patients, 94 with advanced testicular carcinoma and 70 with metastatic sarcoma. Ifosfamide was given at 40-60 mg/kg/day i.v. on five consecutive days every 3-4 weeks together with mesna prophylaxis with 8 mg/kg i.v. being used at 0, 4 and 8 h after ifosfamide administration. Of 70 sarcoma patients 57 were evaluable for response, of whom 49 had received prior chemotherapy. The overall response rate was 46% (26/57) including 3 complete (CR) and 14 partial remissions (PR). Ninety-four patients with germ cell tumours of the testis were treated. Of 16 seminoma patients 15 achieved CR or PR. Seventy-eight patients with nonseminomatous testicular cancer who had received previous chemotherapy were either treated with ifosfamide/etoposide (n = 63, remission rate: 30%) or ifosfamide/cisplatin (n = 15, CR + PR: 33%). These results indicate that ifosfamide alone or in combination is active in sarcomas, seminomas and teratomas and that further studies are warranted employing the drug in first-line regimens.

Adolescent↗

A phase II study of ifosfamide, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma previously treated with platinum chemotherapy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of ifosfamide, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (IFL) as a second-line chemotherapy regimen in patients with recurrent undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) previously treated with platinum/5-FU. Between June 1997 and February 1999, 18 patients were entered into the study. 3 patients had loco-regional recurrence, 12 had distant metastases and 3 had both loco-regional recurrence and distant metastases. All patients had previously received platinum/5-FU as adjuvant or palliative treatments. The IFL regimen consisting of ifosfamide 1.2 g/m(2) (with mesna), 5-FU 375 mg/m(2) and leucovorin 20 mg/m(2) for 5 days and was repeated every 21 days. The dose of ifosfamide was escalated to 1.4 and 1.6 g/m(2) in subsequent cycles according to the bone marrow toxicity, and the dose of 5-FU to 450 and 525 mg/m(2) according to the severity of mucositis. Patients received a median of 3 cycles of IFL (range: 2-6), with a median total ifosfamide dose of 21 g/m(2) (range: 13-46) and a median total 5-FU dose of 6.75 g/m(2) (range: 4.1-14.7). The median follow-up was 10 months (range: 4-25). 9 patients (50%) achieved a partial response and 1 patient (6%) achieved a complete response, with an overall response rate of 56% (95% confidence interval (CI): 32-80%). For those patients who responded to IFL, 8 had subsequent disease progression on follow-up, with a median response duration of 7.1 months (95% CI: 5.3-8.9). The median time to progression for all patients was 6.5 months (95% CI: 4.2-8.7). 12 patients are still alive with an estimated 1-year survival probability rate of 51%. Treatments were well tolerated, only 1 patient had grade 3 emesis. None of the patients had grade 3/4 anaemia, leucopenia or thrombocytopenia, although IFL was discontinued in 1 patient because of persisting thrombocytopenia. IFL is an effective second-line regimen in patients with recurrent NPC and is well tolerated with mild toxicity. Combining platinum and IFL in chemonaïve patients may further improve the overall response rate and duration and is worth investigating in future trials.

Adult↗