Ifosfamide in the treatment of head and neck cancer

Oncology. 2003:65 Suppl 2:37-43. doi: 10.1159/000073356.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Ifosfamide / therapeutic use*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Paclitaxel
  • Cisplatin
  • Ifosfamide