Phase II study of ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide in patients with a first recurrence of glioblastoma multiforme

Abstract

Object The prognosis of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains unsatisfactory. The authors conducted a Phase II study of ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) for a first recurrence of GBM to determine whether it prolonged a patient's good-quality life. Methods This trial was an open-label, single-center Phase II study. Forty-two patients with a first GBM relapse after surgery followed by standard radiotherapy (60 Gy) and first-line temozolomide- or nimustine-based chemotherapy were eligible to participate. The primary end point was progression-free survival at 6 months after the ICE treatment (PFS-6), and secondary end points were response rate, toxicity, and overall survival. Chemotherapy consisted of ifosfamide (1000 mg/m2 on Days 1, 2, and 3), carboplatin (110 mg/m2 on Day 1), etoposide (100 mg/m2 on Days 1, 2, and 3), every 6 weeks. Results Progression-free survival at 6 months after ICE treatment was 35% (95% CI 22–50%). The median duration of PFS was 17 weeks (95% CI 10–24 weeks). The response rate was 25% (95% CI 9–34%). Adverse events were generally mild and consisted mainly of alopecia. Conclusions This regimen was well tolerated and has some activity and could be one of the options for patients with recurrent GBM.