Sequential Dose-Dense Doxorubicin and Ifosfamide in Advanced Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Patients in an Out-Patient-Basis Schedule. (30th June 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Almeida, G. F. G.; Castro, G.; Snitcovsky, I. M. L.; Siqueira, S. A.; Akaishi, E. H.; Camargo, O. P.; Oliveira, C. R. G. C. M.; Federico, M. H. H.
• Other Names: Pollock R. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Sarcoma. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-06-30
• Subjects: Sarcoma -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/984340
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-714X

Abstract

Abstract : Aims . This phase II study explored activity/safety of front-line dose-dense chemotherapy in high-grade STS (soft tissue sarcoma) patients and tested ezrin as prognostic factor. Patients and Methods . The protocol consisted of three cycles of doxorubicin (DOXO) 30 mg/m 2 on days 1–3 every 2 weeks, followed by three cycles of ifosfamide (IFO) 2.5 g/m 2 two hours a day on days 1–5 every 3 weeks, with GCSF support. Ezrin was assessed immunohistochemically. Results . Twenty patients, 13 metastatic and 7 locally advanced, were enrolled. Median age was 39 years (25–60). Median dose intensities were 42 mg/m 2 /week and 3.6 g/m 2 /week for DOXO and IFO, respectively. Grade 3/4 toxicities occurred in 18 patients. Response rate was 15% (3 of 20) by RECIST. Patients younger than 45 years with locally advanced disease and synovial histology presented longer survival. A trend towards longer survival was observed among ezrin-positive patients. Conclusions . This dose-dense schedule should not be routinely used due to its high frequency of toxic events; however, a sequential strategy with DOXO and IFO may benefit selected patients and should be further explored with lower doses. The role of ezrin as a prognostic marker should be confirmed in a larger group of patients.