Vinblastine-associated pulmonary toxicity in patients receiving combination therapy with mitomycin and cisplatin

Two of 33 patients entered in a local pilot study of mitomycin, vinblastine, and cisplatin for non-small cell lung cancer developed vinblastine-associated pulmonary toxicity. As with other reports of vinca alkaloid-related pulmonary toxicity, the regimen included mitomycin. Based on these cases and others previously reported, the incidence of abrupt pulmonary toxicity following vinca alkaloid administration as part of mitomycin/vinca alkaloid combination appears to be three to six percent. Suggestions for management are given.