Phase II trial of ifosfamide and mesna in previously treated patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: Cancer and Leukemia Group B study 8552.

Ifosfamide (1.25 g/m2 intravenously/day x 5) with mesna (20 per cent of the ifosfamide dose x six doses on each day of ifosfamide therapy) was administered to 46 previously treated patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of which 31 were eligible and evaluable. A 29 per cent response rate (9/31) was observed (two CR and seven PR) with a median duration of response of 2.5 months. Myelosuppression was dose-limiting. Hemorrhagic cystitis was observed in three patients (10 per cent). Nausea and vomiting was generally mild or moderate. One patient developed transient neurotoxic symptoms with confusion and disorientation. An additional patient developed an anaphylactic-type reaction with shortness of breath and respiratory stridor during the fourth course of therapy. Ifosfamide, as a single agent, produces remissions of limited duration in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in patients in second or third relapse.