Ifosfamide in germ cell tumors.

Abstract

Ifosfamide has always had significant single-agent activity in patients with germ cell tumors. We first began studies of cisplatin + ifosfamide combination chemotherapy as salvage chemotherapy in 1982. The regimen of etoposide (VP-16) + ifosfamide + cisplatin (VIP) was initially utilized as third-line chemotherapy. Even in this refractory setting, we were able to cure a small cohort of patients. Ifosfamide-cisplatin combination chemotherapy then became a standard second-line chemotherapy program, and achieved a 25% cure rate. Subsequent phase III studies compared VIP to bleomycin + etoposide + cisplatin (BEP) as initial chemotherapy. Although the results of the ifosfamide-based regimen were slightly better, there was no statistically significant difference and BEP was less toxic. However, for individual patients with concern for bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, VIP remains an attractive first-line regimen.

• Authors: L H Einhorn
• Journal: Oncology (Oncology) Vol. 65 Suppl 2 Pg. 73-5 ( 2003) ISSN: 0030-2414 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 14586153 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
• Ifosfamide

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating (therapeutic use)
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Female
• Germinoma (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Ifosfamide (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Neoadjuvant Therapy
• Salvage Therapy
• Treatment Outcome