Vindesine: an effective agent in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

A dose of 3-4 mg/m2 of vindesine (DVA) was given by iv push weekly to 33 patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Twenty-nine patients were evaluable for response. All evaluable patients had a performance status greater than 50% and measurable disease, and received at least two consecutive weekly doses of DVA. Standard response criteria were used. Among 15 patients with squamous cell carcinoma there were four partial responses and one complete response; three of eight patients with adenocarcinoma had partial responses. The overall response rate was 28% (eight responses among 29 patients). Myelosuppression was moderate, but two patients were hospitalized for granulocytopenic infections. The most common dose-limiting side effects were due to neurotoxicity. Four responding patients had treatment stopped because of neurotoxic reactions. DVA appears to be among the most active drugs in non-small cell lung cancer, but improved dose schedules that reduce neurotoxicity would be highly desirable.