IFOSFAMIDE VERSUS CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE IN COMBINATION-DRUG THERAPY FOR METASTATIC BREAST-CANCER

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 63  (1) , 115-120
Abstract
A combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (FAC) was compared to a combination of 5-FU adriamycin, and ifosfamide (FAI) in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. All patients in the FAC and FAI groups also received nonspecific immunotherapy with BCG and levamisole. Of 117 evaluable FAC patients, 19 (16%) achieved complete remission and 66 (56%) achieved partial remission. In the FAI group, 8 of 49 (16%) evaluable patients achieved complete remission and 24 (50%) achieved partial remission. The response rates, durations of remission, and survival were similar in both groups. The combination of 2 immunotherapeutic agents (BCG and levamisole) did not have an additive effect since their results were similar to previous experience with FAC-BCG and FAC-levamisole. In the FAI group, 25% of the patients had hematuria, while none of the patients in the FAC group had urinary complications. Nausea and vomiting were more severe in FAI-treated patients and some patients required i.v. fluids to correct dehydration. Ifosfamide in combination with 5-FU and adriamycin was more toxic than and not superior to cyclophosphamide.