The role of ifosfamide in cervical cancer

A series of phase II studies using ifosfamide as a single agent and in combination with cisplatin and bleomycin (BIP) in advanced and recurrent cervical cancer were coordinated at the West Midlands Cancer Research Campaign Clinical Trials Unit, Birmingham, UK. The aim of these studies was to identify single agents and combination regimens that might be of value for palliation and have potential for neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy in primary treatment. Ninety-eight patients were studied. Seventy-nine patients with disease not amenable to radical local therapy were treated with single-agent ifosfamide or the BIP combination. In 30 patients treated with single-agent ifosfamide, ten objective responses (33%) were seen, with one complete response. In 49 patients treated with BIP, 34 objective responses (69%) were seen, with ten complete responses (20%). Eleven (79%) of 14 patients with primary inoperable disease had at least a 50% reduction in tumor bulk before radical local radiotherapy. Toxicity resulted in alopecia, nausea and vomiting, myelosuppression, infection, reduction in renal function, and disturbance of consciousness. There was no evidence that neoadjuvant chemotherapy enhanced the acute toxic effects of pelvic radiotherapy. These data indicate that ifosfamide is highly active in cervical cancer and that in combination with bleomycin and cisplatin, it can be used for effective palliation and cytoreduction in around 70% of patients. Ifosfamide-containing regimens have potential for use as neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy in patients at high risk of recurrence with conventional treatment. These hypotheses are currently being tested in prospective randomized trials.