Ifosfamide in the treatment of head and neck cancer.
Ifosfamide (IFO) has demonstrated activity in recurrent/metastatic squamous cell head and neck carcinoma with an overall response rate of 24-26%. Better results are reported for chemotherapy-naive patients; in heavily pretreated cases results are poor and toxicity unacceptable. Cisplatin-IFO combination in stage III-IV is probably more active than IFO alone (ORR = 60-72 vs. 50%) but is indicated in patients who desire aggressive treatment and are physically able to tolerate the drugs. The carboplatin-IFO scheme is better tolerated than the cisplatin-IFO regimen with superimposable clinical results (ORR = 69%; CR = 15%). Carboplatin-taxol-IFO is one of the most active regimens in recurrent (ORR = 59%; CR = 17%) and in locally advanced (ORR = 81%; CR = 31%) head and neck cancer. Its role in the multidisciplinary treatment of advanced head and neck cancer is under investigation. In recurrent/metastatic undifferentiated nasopharygeal carcinoma, IFO combinations have proven to be effective as first- and second-line treatment.
Department of Medical Oncology, San Giovanni Antica Sede Hospital, Torino, Italy. mario.arioldi@jumpy.it
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Airoldi
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Cortesina
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Giordano
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Pedani
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Bumma
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007069:Ifosfamide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D017239:Paclitaxel; D002945:Cisplatin; D007069:Ifosfamide