VINORELBINE - AN ACTIVE-DRUG IN MEDITERRANEAN KAPOSIS-SARCOMA

A phase II evaluation of Vinorelbine is of interest in mediterranean K aposi's sarcoma (MKS) because of the well-known activity of the natura l Vinca alkaloids in this disease. Fifteen patients, both chemonaive a nd pretreated, were treated with Vinorelbina at the dose level of 17.5 mg/sqm every 2 weeks, 5 times, then 30 mg/sqm every 3 weeks until max imal response (complete regression, or partial regression), followed b y 3 consolidation courses. A partial regression was obtained in 9/15 ( 60%) patients, with higher activity in previously untreated patients a s compared to pretreated patients. The duration of remission was 6 mon ths in the first group and 2 months in the second one. The median surv ival (all patients) was 13+ months. Vinorelbine is an active drug in M KS and needs more extensive, evaluation in large, cooperative clinical trials.