[Vindesine in oral cancers]

Vindesine, a vinblastine derivative, was evaluated in 36 patients with malignant tumours of the buccal cavity previously untreated. Vindesine was used (1) pre-operatively, in short, weekly intravenous courses for 1 to 3 weeks and (2) prior to radiotherapy of inoperable tumours, in prolonged treatments, either by bolus i.v. injections with vein washing weekly or, in case of failure, by continuous i.v. infusion over 5 days. In the first group major responses were obtained in 22.2% of the cases. In the second group only 1 of 18 patients responded to weekly injections, whereas 3 out of 10 patients responded to continuous infusion (including one complete remission), showing that this mode of administration was more effective than bolus injections. Toxic reactions to the drug are discussed. Venous damage was the predominant complication of continuous infusion.