Single-agent ifosfamide in the treatment of anthracycline-refractory adult sarcomas.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this trial was to assess the therapeutic activity and toxicity of ifosfamide (IFO) with mesna uroprotection as salvage therapy in patients (pts) with soft tissue sarcomas (STS) who had failed high-dose epirubicin treatment.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

IFO was administered at a dose of 2.0 g/m2 daily for 5 consecutive days by a 2-h i.v. infusion every 3 weeks.

RESULTS

Partial responses were observed in 5/31 (16%) evaluable patients, whereas in other 5 pts the disease remained stable. The median duration of response was 8 months. The median overall survival was 6.5 months. The most common toxicity was hematologic with grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurring in 47% of the pts. Neurologic toxicity was infrequent, but in 1 patient treatment discontinuation was needed because of severe mental confusion and disorientation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although IFO can be of value in a minority of pts with anthracycline-refractory STS, more active agents and new salvage cytotoxic regimens should be investigated in this disease.