Oral vinorelbine (Navelbine) in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A preliminary report

Vinorelbine (Navelbine; Burroughs Wellcome Co, Research Triangle Park, NC; Pierre Fabre Medicament, Paris, France) is a novel semisynthetic vinca alkaloid with antitumor activity in non-small cell lung cancer. An oral preparation of this drug is under investigation and was tested in a multicenter phase II study in patients with stage IV measurable or evaluable non-small cell lung cancer. The initial vinorelbine dose was 100 mg/m²/wk (80 mg/m²/wk for patients with prior radiotherapy). Following an initial 37% incidence of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, the dose was reduced by 40 mg/dose. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mucositis were other frequently observed toxicities. A preliminary analysis indicated a response rate of 14%, suggesting activity of this drug when administered orally.