Ifosfamide safe via continuous infusion in kids with Ewing sarcoma

Continuous infusion of the antitumor agent ifosfamide appears safe and feasible for use in an outpatient setting in pediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma, according to a study.

The way ifosfamide is administered can affect its therapeutic and toxic effects.

In this single-center, retrospective review, 10 pediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma received continuous infusion and bolus administration of ifosfamide.

Overall, 48 cycles were given as bolus administration and 24 as continuous infusion. Lower hemoglobin and platelet nadirs, resulting in more transfusions and treatment delays, were more common in patients receiving bolus administration compared to those receiving continuous infusion.

The authors concluded that given the results of this cases series, ifosfamide appears safe for use in outpatient administration. In addition, it may have a better hematologic adverse event profile although additional studies with larger cohorts are needed to confirm.

Reference
Plutt AA, Stanton MP, Zembillas AS, et al. Excellent Tolerability of Ifosfamide and Mesna Via Continuous Infusion in a Pediatric Patient Population. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2021 Dec 3. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002361. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34862353.