Phase II study of vindesine in patients with advanced breast cancer

Vindesine, a new vinca alkaloid, was administered to 20 patients with advanced refractory breast cancer in a phase II trial. The drug was given at a dose of 3 mg/m2 by iv bolus each week for 6 consecutive weeks, and responding patients were maintained on a dose of 4 mg/m2 every 2 weeks. Nineteen patients were evaluable for disease response; partial remissions were obtained in five patients, for a response rate of 26%. Leukopenia was the major dose-limiting toxic reaction, but most patients were able to tolerate this schedule without difficulty. Neurotoxicity was mild and did not require dose reduction.