Phase II study of vinblastine in small cell carcinoma of the lung

Thirty-five patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung, refractory to previous combination chemotherapy including vincristine, were treated with weekly iv bolus injections of vinblastine. The dose was 4 mg/m2 in the first 22 patients and 7 mg/m2 in the last 13. No responses were observed among 34 evaluable patients. Side effects included moderate leukopenia and minimal neurotoxicity. It is concluded that vinblastine appears to be inferior to other vinca alkaloids in the treatment of small cell carcinoma of the lung.