A randomised dose-finding phase II study on ifosfamide in metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC)

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Urology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) presents a significant clinical challenge.
• Palliative chemotherapy options for advanced HRPC require continuous evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the palliative efficacy and toxicity of single-agent ifosfamide in patients with progressive metastatic HRPC.
• To compare two different infusion schedules of ifosfamide.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study involving 30 patients with progressive metastatic HRPC.
• Patients received ifosfamide via a 24-hour infusion (Day 1) or a 3-hour infusion (Days 1-4) every three weeks.
• Response evaluation followed Prostate-Specific Antigen Working Group guidelines.

Main Results:

• 1 patient (3%) achieved PSA normalization, 8 (27%) had partial responses, 3 (10%) stable disease, and 18 (60%) progressive disease.
• Mean time to progression was 2.4 months; median survival was 13.6+ months.
• The treatment was well-tolerated with no severe grade III-IV hematotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• Single-agent ifosfamide demonstrates effectiveness and good tolerability in treating HRPC.
• Ifosfamide is a viable option for palliative chemotherapy in advanced HRPC.
• Further research into combination chemotherapy regimens including ifosfamide is warranted.