Ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide: a new regimen with a broad spectrum of activity.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a phase I/II evaluation of the combination of ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) to determine toxicity and activity in a variety of refractory malignancies.


METHODS
Two hundred four patients, 13 to 64 years of age, with a variety of malignancies, including refractory breast cancer and Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, were treated with two cycles of ICE, consisting of intravenous ifosfamide 2 g/m2, carboplatin 400 mg/m2, and continuous infusion etoposide 600 mg/m2 administered in divided doses over 2 days. The regimen was repeated at approximately 28-day intervals.


RESULTS
One hundred ninety-one patients (94%) received two cycles at full doses and were assessable for response and toxicity. Complete and partial responses were seen in breast cancer (20%, n = 93), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (30%, n = 37), Hodgkin's disease (60%, n = 10), melanoma (9%, n = 11), a variety of sarcomas (20%, n = 10), and other malignancies (43%, n = 30). Myelosuppression was prominent, with significant neutropenia requiring frequent hospitalization for neutropenic fever, and thrombocytopenia and anemia requiring frequent platelet and RBC transfusions. However, the overall treatment-related mortality rate was only 3%. No other moderate to severe organ toxicity was seen at a frequency of greater than 1%.


CONCLUSIONS
This regimen is active in a variety of refractory malignancies, with significant but tolerable hematologic toxicity. The addition of hematopoietic growth factors may allow further dose escalation.
Fields
K K
KK
Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, H. Lee Moffut Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa 33612.
Zorsky
P E
PE
Hiemenz
J W
JW
Kronish
L E
LE
Elfenbein
G J
GJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007069:Ifosfamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005047:Etoposide; D016190:Carboplatin; D007069:Ifosfamide