Definition
Positional isomer of CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE which is active as an alkylating agent and an immunosuppressive agent.
Description
Ifosfamide is a chemotherapeutic agent chemically related to the nitrogen mustards and a synthetic analog of cyclophosphamide. It is active as an alkylating agent and an immunosuppresive agent. The exact mechanism of ifosfamide has not been determined, but appears to be similar to other alkylating agents. Ifosfamide requires biotransformation in the liver by mixed-function oxidases (cytochrome P450 system) before it becomes active. After metabolic activation, active metabolites of ifosfamide alkylate or bind with many intracellular molecular structures, including nucleic acids. The cytotoxic action is primarily through the alkylation of DNA, done by attaching the N-7 position of guanine to its reactive electrophilic groups. The formation of inter and intra strand cross-links in the DNA results in cell death.
Top Gene Interactions
Related Pathways
General Information
- Metabolism: Primarily hepatic. Ifosfamide is metabolized through two metabolic pathways: ring oxidation ("activation") to form the active metabolite, 4-hydroxy-ifosfamide and side-chain oxidation to form the inactive metabolites, 3-dechloro-ethylifosfamide or 2-dechloroethylifosfamide with liberation of the toxic metabolite, chloroacetaldehyde. Small quantities (nmol/mL) of ifosfamide mustard and 4-hydroxyifosfamide are detectable in human plasma. Metabolism of ifosfamide is required for the generation of the biologically active species and while metabolism is extensive, it is also quite variable among patients. Route of Elimination: Ifosfamide is extensively metabolized in humans and the metabolic pathways appear to be saturated at high doses. After administration of doses of 5 g/m2 of 14C-labeled ifosfamide, from 70% to 86% of the dosed radioactivity was recovered in the urine, with about 61% of the dose excreted as parent compound. At doses of 1.6 - 2.4 g/m2 only 12% to 18% of the dose was excreted in the urine as unchanged drug within 72 hours. Half Life: 7-15 hours. The elimination half-life increase appeared to be related to the increase in ifosfamide volume of distribution with age.
- Uses/Sources: Used as a component of various chemotherapeutic regimens as third-line therapy for recurrent or refractory germ cell testicular cancer. Also used as a component of various chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of cervical cancer, as well as in conjunction with surgery and/or radiation therapy in the treatment of various soft tissue sarcomas. Other indications include treatment of osteosarcoma, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer. small cell lung cancer, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Symptoms: Side effects include nausea, vomiting and myelosuppression. Toxic effects include central nervous system toxicity (confusion, hallucinations) and urotoxic effects (cystitis, blood in urine).
- Route of Exposure: Intravenous injection
Toxicity
- Carcinogenicity: 3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. (L135)
- Toxicity: LD<sub>50</sub> (mouse) = 390-1005 mg/kg, LD<sub>50</sub> (rat) = 150-190 mg/kg.
Mechanism of Action
| Target Name | Mechanism of Action | References |
|---|---|---|
|
DNA Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group I member 2 |
15827549 16702183 18839173 14586139 10100700 |
|
| DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1 | After metabolic activation, active metabolites of ifosfamide alkylate or bind with many intracellular molecular structures, including nucleic acids. The cytotoxic action is primarily due to cross-linking of strands of DNA and RNA, as well as inhibition of protein synthesis. |
17927287 17139284 17016423 |