Vincristine infusion in advanced non Hodgkin's lymphoma

Prognosis in cases of advanced Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma refractory to primary chemotherapy - continues to be poor. In search of suitable alternative we have recently treated six such patients with continuous, intravenous infusion of vincristine for five days. All patients had a variety of histological types and had received earlier primary combination chemotherapy including Vincristine by Intravenous bolus injection. A total of 21 courses (average 3.5) were given. Three patients (50%) achieved objective-partial response. Duration of response varied from two to nine months (mean 4.5 months). Toxicity was low with minimal myelosuppression and no increased neurotoxicity occurred. Vincristine infusion treatment may provide better palliation in advanced refractory Non Hodgkin's lymphoma and suggests the possibility of its use in combination chemotherapy protocols in untreated patients.