About
Ifosfamide is an alkylating agent used in chemotherapy, belonging to the oxazaphosphorine class. It works by cross-linking DNA strands, inhibiting DNA synthesis and function, leading to cell death, particularly in rapidly dividing cancer cells. Ifosfamide is a prodrug that requires metabolic activation in the liver. It is effective against a range of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Mesna (2-mercaptoethane sulfonate sodium) is a uroprotectant agent administered concurrently with ifosfamide. Mesna selectively detoxifies acrolein, a nephrotoxic and urotoxic metabolite of ifosfamide, in the urinary tract. This action significantly reduces the risk of hemorrhagic cystitis, a severe bladder inflammation, which is a common and dose-limiting side effect of ifosfamide. The combination ensures the therapeutic efficacy of ifosfamide while mitigating its specific urinary toxicity, allowing for safer administration of higher doses.
Uses
- Treatment of germ cell testicular cancer.
- Management of soft tissue sarcomas.
- Therapy for lymphomas (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's).
- Treatment of osteosarcoma.
Directions For Use
Administered intravenously by a healthcare professional. Dosage and duration are determined by the patient's condition and response to treatment.
Benefits
- Effective against various aggressive cancers.
- Induces tumor regression and disease control.
- Mesna component prevents severe bladder toxicity.
- Can be part of curative regimens for certain cancers.
- Improves overall survival in responsive patients.
- Well-established efficacy in oncology protocols.
Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Bone marrow suppression (myelosuppression)
- Fatigue
- Neurotoxicity (encephalopathy)
- Kidney dysfunction
- Anorexia
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Infection risk due to low white blood cells
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
Safety Measures
- Alcohol - Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may exacerbate side effects, particularly liver toxicity and nausea, and can interfere with drug metabolism.
- Pregnancy - Highly contraindicated in pregnancy due to severe teratogenic and embryotoxic effects. Effective contraception is essential for both male and female patients.
- Breastfeeding - Contraindicated during breastfeeding as ifosfamide and its metabolites are excreted in breast milk, posing a significant risk to the infant.
- Liver - Use with caution in patients with pre-existing liver impairment; dose adjustments may be necessary, and liver function should be closely monitored.
- Kidney - Administer with extreme caution in patients with renal dysfunction; dose modification is often required, and kidney function must be regularly assessed due to potential nephrotoxicity.
- Lung - Generally, ifosfamide is not primarily associated with severe lung toxicity, but general caution is advised, and any new respiratory symptoms should be evaluated.
Disclaimer
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