Prolonged 14-day continuous infusion of high-dose ifosfamide with an external portable pump: feasibility and efficacy in refractory pediatric sarcoma.
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.
Meazza
Cristina
C
Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via G. Venezian, 1-20133 Milano MI, Italy. cristina.meazza@istitutotumori.mi.it
Casanova
Michela
M
Luksch
Roberto
R
Podda
Marta
M
Favini
Francesca
F
Cefalo
Graziella
G
Massimino
Maura
M
Ferrari
Andrea
A
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*
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D007069:Ifosfamide