title: Feasibility and efficacy of arginine 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (ARGIMESNA) in the prevention of hemorragic cystitis from ifosfamide (IFO).
abstract: Tolerability and efficacy of the new uroprotective agent ARGIMESNA was assessed within a randomized cross-over study comparing it to sodiummercaptoethanesulfonate (MESNA), in patients treated with IFO. MESNA i.v., 20% of IFO dose, was given to all patients before chemotherapy; 4 h later, at random, they received ARGIMESNA p.o., 20% of IFO dose every 2 h x 4, or MESNA p.o., 40% of IFO dose every 4 h x 2. Overall, 78 cycles of oral uroprotection were administered: 37 for ARGIMESNA capsules; 41 for MESNA vials p.o. ARGIMESNA was subjectively better tolerated, determining gastro-intestinal discomfort in only 12 out of 37 cycles versus 34/41 of MESNA p.o. (p less than 0.001). Both preparations were equivalent for subjective and objective efficacy since no cycles were complicated by urinary symptoms (dysuria, stranguria, or hematuria). Nevertheless, 2 patients (7.7%) refused further oral assumption of both uroprotectors, whereas MESNA i.v. was added in other 7 patients because of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. In conclusion, this new oral preparation of mercaptoethanesulfonate turned out to be well tolerated, safe and active in the prevention of haemorrhagic cystitis from IFO.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Frustaci
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Foladore
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Pascale
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Freschi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lo Re
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sorio
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Errante
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Monfardini
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003556:Cystitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007069:Ifosfamide / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D008297:Male; D015080:Mesna / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D015080:Mesna; D007069:Ifosfamide