SALVAGE THERAPY WITH IFOSFAMIDE AND MITOXANTRONE IN ADVANCED OVARIAN-CANCER

Objective: To evaluate the anti-tumour activity and toxicity of ifosfa mide (5 g/m(2) continuous infusion) and mitoxantrone (10 mg/m(2)) give n in combination every 3 weeks in patients with ovarian cancer resista nt to at least two previous regimens which included platinum. Patients and methods: Additional eligibility criteria were an ECOG performance status less than or equal to 2 and measurable disease. Of 47 patients entered in the study, 8 were defined as platinum-resistant and 39 as potentially sensitive according to Markman's criteria. Thirty-five pat ients had also received paclitaxel as last treatment before entering t his study. Tumour response was evaluated every three cycles. Results: One complete and 11 partial responses were reported, for an overall re sponse rate of 25% (95% CI: 14%-40%). Three of the partial responders were resistant to platinum. None of the 7 partial responders pretreate d with taxol had responded to it. The overall median survival was 11 m onths. Neutropenia G4 was reported in 18 patients (42%) with hospitali sation because of febrile neutropenia in 3 of them. Conclusions: In pa tients with ovarian cancer failing at least 2 previous therapies inclu ding platinum, the combination of ifosfamide and mitoxantrone has show n an anti-tumour activity comparable to that of paclitaxel, with accep table toxicity. Objective responses were reported also in patients fai ling paclitaxel, suggesting a lack of cross resistance.