Ifosfamide in the elderly: clinical considerations for a better drug management.
The therapeutic strategy used for elderly affected by malignant neoplasms should take into account the common variables present in oncological patients, and the specific alteration of the elderly metabolism and their possible morbidity. Ifosfamide is an active drug for various tumors with elevated incidence in the elderly. We analyze the principle criteria in the selection of these patients and the alterations of metabolism which correlates to aging with their consequences on the pharmacokinetics of ifosfamide. Finally, we propose clinical guidelines to optimize the use of ifosfamide in elderly patients affected by malignant tumors.
De Pas
T
T
Department of Medical Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy. mdepas@ieo.cilea.it
Curigliano
G
G
Catania
C
C
Comandone
A
A
de Braud
F
F
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007069:Ifosfamide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D007069:Ifosfamide