Ifosfamide Action Pathway

Ifosfamide is an alkylating agent used in the treatment of certain cancers. Following absorption, ifosfamide is converted into 4-hydroxyifosfamide by a variety of cytochrome P450 isozymes in the liver. 4-Hydroxyifosfamide crosses the plasma membrane of the cancer cell and spontaneuosly forms aldoifosfamide. This is a reversible reaction. Aldoifosfamide can decompose into acrolein and ifosforamide mustard. Ifosforamide mustard is the active alkylating agent and forms alkyl adducts with DNA through an ifosforamide aziridinium intermediate. Alkylation of DNA causes DNA damage and ultimately cell death.