Phase I evaluation of vindesine in children: a Southwest Oncology Group pilot study

Twenty-one children (19 with leukemia) were given 34 courses of vindesine on a weekly or twice-weekly schedule in escalating doses. Thirty-three courses were fully or partially evaluable for response and/or toxicity. Granulocytopenia was the dose-limiting toxicity. Transient jaw, neck, or bone pain was common after each dose. Motor weakness, paresthesias, and constipation were neither frequent nor severe. In this Phase I study, vindesine had some antileukemia activity in children previously treated with vincristine and other drugs. Phase II studies are warranted and a starting does of 1.85% mg/m2 twice weekly appears tolerable.