Mitomycin, ifosfamide, and mesna in the treatment of lung cancer

Observations have been made of the multiple-drug resistance phenomenon in mitomycin-exposed cells in vitro. Collateral resistance to anthracyclines and Vinca alkaloids was demonstrated in mitomycin carbon-treated 1-1210 cells in vitro. However, because it has also been found that this resistance can be reversed with agents such as verapamil and progestogens, it may be possible to effect a similar reversal in vivo. A study is currently being performed in patients with colorectal cancer, in which the potential for reversal is being tested. The pharmacokinetics of ifosfamide result in high cytotoxic specificity which, along with its therapeutic range, makes it a particularly active agent in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Its urotoxicity is effectively controlled by the coadministration of mesna, a uroprotective agent.