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Ifosfamide in malignant mesothelioma: a phase II study
M K Andersen1, A Krarup-Hansen, G Mårtensson
1The Department of Oncology, National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Lung Cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|July 14, 1999
Summary
Ifosfamide showed limited efficacy in treating malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer. The drug caused significant toxicity, including severe leucopenia and neurotoxicity, leading many patients to discontinue treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer with poor prognosis.
- Limited treatment options exist for unresectable malignant mesothelioma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of ifosfamide and mesna in patients with unresectable malignant mesothelioma.
Main Methods:
- A phase II study involving 26 previously untreated patients with histologically proven, unresectable mesothelioma.
- Patients received ifosfamide 3000 mg/m2/day for 3 days with mesna 1800 mg/m2/day for 3 days every third week.
- Dose modifications were based on hematologic, neurologic, and renal toxicity.
Main Results:
- No complete responses were observed; one patient achieved a partial response lasting 25 months.
- Disease stabilization occurred in 35% of patients, while 54% progressed.
- Significant toxicity was noted, including grade 4 leucopenia (50%), grade 3/4 neurotoxicity (38%), and grade 3/4 nausea/vomiting (38%).
- 42% of patients discontinued treatment due to toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Ifosfamide demonstrated limited clinical activity in malignant mesothelioma at the studied dose.
- The considerable toxicity profile suggests that ifosfamide may not be a suitable treatment option for this malignancy.