Trofosfamide: a review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic potential in the oral treatment of cancer.

During the last decade, the oxazaphosphorine trofosfamide was underestimated partly due to its unsuitability for i.v. use. Oral daily doses of 150 mg were tolerated well and showed appreciable response rates in the treatment of lymphoma. Furthermore, activity in sarcoma and cancers sensitive to oxazaphosphorines in general seems probable, because ifosfamide is the main metabolite of trofosfamide. Due to its oral mode of application and good tolerance, trofosfamide will be an important option in view of the increasing demand for treatment regimens suited for an outpatient basis. Results of the major in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies are reported for evaluation of its significance in chemotherapy today.