PHASE-II STUDY OF VINDESINE IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED BREAST-CANCER

Abstract

Vindesine, a new vinca alkaloid, was administered to 20 patients with advanced refractory breast cancer in a phase II trial. The drug was given at a dose of 3 mg/m2 by i.v. bolus each week for 6 consecutive wk; responding patients were maintained on a dose of 4 mg/m2 every 2 wk. Nineteen patients were evaluable for disease response; partial remissions were obtained in 5 patients, for a response rate of 26%. Leukopenia was the major dose-limiting toxic reaction, but most patients were able to tolerate this schedule without difficulty. Neurotoxicity was mild and did not require dose reduction.