title: Prolonged 14-day continuous infusion of high-dose ifosfamide with an external portable pump: feasibility and efficacy in refractory pediatric sarcoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ifosfamide is currently used to treat pediatric sarcomas and increasing its dosage may be associated with a better response rate. Prolonged continuous infusion seems an attractive administration modality.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ifosfamide 14 g/m(2) (with mesna 14 g/m(2)) was administered through an ambulatory portable pump over 14 days as a continuous infusion, starting every 3 weeks, in 14 patients with relapsing sarcomas. No growth factors were given.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Acute grade 3 hematological toxicity was observed in only 13/66 cycles and red cell transfusions were given in two patients. Hematuria and dysuria occurred in three cases. The response rate was: five partial responses, five stable disease. The median time to progression was 3 months (range: 2-19 months). The best response rate was seen for synovial sarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prolonged 14-day continuous infusion of high-dose ifosfamide is well tolerated. Potentially interesting preliminary responses in pediatric patients already treated with ifosfamide are reported.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via G. Venezian, 1-20133 Milano MI, Italy. cristina.meazza@istitutotumori.mi.it
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Meazza
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Casanova
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Luksch
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Podda
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Favini
authors.forename: Graziella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cefalo
authors.forename: Maura
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Massimino
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ferrari
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007069:Ifosfamide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007223:Infant; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D008297:Male; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D007069:Ifosfamide