TAXOL AND VINORELBINE - A NEW ACTIVE COMBINATION FOR DISSEMINATED MALIGNANT-MELANOMA

We evaluated the activity and toxicity of two sequences of taxol combi ned with vinorelbine in disseminated malignant melanoma, metastatic be yond regional lymph nodes, Fifteen previously untreated patients, nine males and six females (median age 56 years), were enlisted between Ma y 1994 and February 1995. Eight patients received vinorelbine 30 mg/m( 2) (maximum dose 50 mg) first, followed 24 h later by taxol 120 mg/m(2 ) (maximum dose 240 mg) infused over 3 h (the V/T sequence). Seven pat ients received the reverse (T/V) sequence. In 79 administered courses there were no anaphylactic episodes, the main toxicity being alopecia (WHO grade 3). Significant neutropenia, emesis or neuropathy was not o bserved in either schedule (WHO grades 0 or 1), Three major responses, all with the V/T sequence, were seen; one complete (CR) in nodal and cutaneous sites lasting 13 months and two partial (PR), omental, ascit es in one and hepatic, splenic and nodal in the other, lasting 7 and 6 months, respectively. Clinically meaningful tumor regressions, not qu alifying strictly for the criteria of major response, were observed in two additional patients in the T/V sequence, Taxol combined with vino relbine is active against disseminated malignant melanoma, The importa nce of sequencing the two drugs remains to be determined with accrual of more patients into the study.