Efficacy and tolerability of the ifosfamide–epirubicin combination in relapsed ovarian cancer. Issue 1 (1st January 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Joly, F.; Bourgeois, H.; Floquet, A.; Chinet-Charrot, P.; Meyer, F.; Lebrun, D.; Hamond, K.; Leroy, C.; Heron, J. F.
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynecological cancer. Volume 16:Issue 1(2006)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 82
• Publication Date: 2006-01-01
• Subjects: chemotherapy -- epirubicin -- ifosfamide -- relapsed advanced ovarian cancer; Generative organs, Female -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99465
• DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-00009577-200601000-00013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1048-891X

Abstract

Abstract : A retrospective study evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of epirubicin–ifosfamide (EI) in patients with relapsed advanced ovarian cancer (ROC) after prior chemotherapy was conducted. A total of 93 patients received epirubicin (50 mg/m 2, day 1), ifosfamide (1500 or 2500 mg/m 2, days 1–3), and mesna monthly. Thirty-five percent had received one line of chemotherapy (platinum 100%, taxanes 8%); 38%, two lines; and 27%, more than two lines. Fifty-three percent received 2500 mg/m 2 /day ifosfamide and 47% received 1500 mg/m 2 /day ifosfamide. Ifosfamide was administered by continuous infusion in 12 patients. Mean number of courses was 4 (1–12). Grade 4 toxicity was 69% neutropenia and 12% thrombocytopenia. Three patients on high-dose ifosfamide as a short infusion had central nervous system dysfunction resulting in death. There were 84 assessable patients: 7 (8%), complete responses; 13 (15%), partial responses; and 20 (24%), stable disease. Median time to progression was 5 months (3 days to 36 months). The EI combination appears to be effective in ROC. However, toxicity with high-dose ifosfamide administered by short infusion is not acceptable. Tolerability can be improved using ifosfamide at 1500 mg/m 2 by continuous infusion. The combination of ifosfamide with newer anthracycline agents such as liposomal doxorubicin may be an alternative and needs further evaluation for use after first-line taxane-based chemotherapy.