Vindesine in the treatment of refractory haematological malignant diseases

Vindesine, a cytotoxic drug related to vincristine and vinblastine, was used in the treatment of refractory haematological malignant disease in 25 patients. Short-term benefits such as the lowering of leukaemic blast-cell counts and the alleviation of symptoms, particularly resolution of bone pain, were observed in some patients; however, long-term benefit was elusive. In general, the drug was well tolerated, and it was possible to administer vindesine without further neurological toxicity to some patients who previously had suffered from neuropathy. Vindesine may well have a place in the treatment of tumours which respond to vinca-alkaloid therapy in patients in whom previous therapy has produced neurotoxicity, and for the relief of troublesome symptoms, particularly bone pain, in heavily pretreated patients.