Ifosfamide versus cyclophosphamide in combination drug therapy for metastatic breast cancer

A. U. Buzdar, S. S. Legha, C. K. Tashima, H. Y. Yap, G. N. Hortobagyi, E. M. Hersh, G. R. Blumenschein, G. P. Bodey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

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 bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and levamisole. Of 117 evaluable FAC patients, 19 (16%) achieved complete remission and 66 (56%) achieved partial remission. In the FAI group, eight 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 two immunotherapeutic agents (BCG and levamisole) did not have an additive effect since their results were similar to our 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 iv fluids to correct dehydration. Ifosfamide in combination with 5-FU and adriamycin was more toxic than and not superior to cyclophosphamide.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)115-120
Number of pages6
JournalCancer Treatment Reports
Volume63
Issue number1
StatePublished - 1979

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Ifosfamide versus cyclophosphamide in combination drug therapy for metastatic breast cancer'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this