Irinotecan and Ifosfamide Combination is an Effective and Safe Option in Patients with Refractory Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: Recurrent and progressive small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a very poor prognosis, and treatment options are limited. Combination of irinotecan with ifosfamide (I-I regimen) in SCLC has limited preliminary data. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of I-I regimen in patients with previously treated SCLC. Methods: A total of 25 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Ifosfamide dose was 1500 mg/m2/ per day, days 1-3, irinotecan 80 mg/m2 per day days 1.8 and 15 every four weeks. Results: Median age of patients was 55 years (range 42-80). Median chemotherapy cycles were 3 (range 1-7). The frequency of the second, third and fourth line treatments were 68%, 24%, and 8% respectively. Partial remission was obtained in 15 patients (60%) and complete remission in one patient (4%). Median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) figures were 7.8 and 11.1 months, respectively. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was used in 40% of patients. Grade 3-4 anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia were seen in 20%, 36% and 12% of these cases, respectively. Conclusion: Ifosfamide and irinotecan combination is an effective and a tolerable treatment option for patients with platinum refractory SCLC.