PHASE-II STUDY OF VINORELBINE (NAVELBINE) IN PREVIOUSLY TREATED SMALL-CELL LUNG-CANCER PATIENTS

26 previously treated patients with progressive recurrent small cell l ung cancer (SCLC) were given vinorelbine (Navelbine), 30 mg/m2 weekly. All patients had responded to first-line chemotherapy and were off th erapy for at least 3 months. Partial response was observed in 4 out of 25 eligible patients (16%; 95% confidence interval 4-36%), stable dis ease in 7 patients and progression in 12 patients. The limiting toxici ty was a non-cumulative leucopenia (80%, 32% WHO grade 3-4). Reaction at the site of injection was observed in 5 patients, causing treatment discontinuation in 2 cases. Other non-haematological toxicities were moderate. These results suggest acceptable toxicity and some antitumou r activity of vinorelbine in pretreated SCLC patients.