Side effects of chemotherapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma with etoposide and ifosfamide

To date, chemotherapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma has been associated with only moderate therapeutic success and minimal extension of survival. This, coupled with the occurrence of serious side effects and the resulting reduced quality of life, underscores the need for new chemotherapeutic agents. A first study investigating combination therapy with etoposide and ifosfamide reported not only comparable therapeutic effectiveness but, due primarily to the elimination of the cisplatin component, a reduction in nephrotoxic side effects. In the present study, therefore, patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma and minor compromised renal function received combination chemotherapy with etoposide and ifosfamide.

Fourteen patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma underwent chemotherapy with a combination of etoposide and ifosfamide. On days 1-5, patients received 1,500 mg/m2 ifosfamide and 120 mg/m2 etoposide. The next corresponding cycle was started on day 22.

A number of serious side effects were observed. These consisted predominantly of high-grade myelosuppression requiring therapy, as well as disturbances in the central nervous system and impairment of renal function. Due to severe side effects, chemotherapy had to be prematurely terminated in 8 of 14 patients (57%). The efficacy of therapy, however, was observed in patients completing the treatment regimen.

The new combined chemotherapy with etoposide and ifosfamide shows efficacy in the treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma. This, however, is overshadowed by the high rate of serious side effects leading to premature interruption of therapy.