Vindesine. A phase II trial in advanced breast cancer patients

A phase II trial of vindesine (VDS), a new vinca alkaloid, has been carried out in 40 patients with metastatic breast cancer. Patients entered in the study had been previously treated with an average of two chemotherapy regimens. Treatment was given as a weekly I.V. bolus of VDS at 3 mg/m2. The response rate in 31 evaluable patients was 19%, i.e., one complete response (CR), four partial responses, and one improvement in osseous disease (IMP). In 36 patients evaluable for toxicity, neurological and hematological toxicity was most significant. Half the patients treated had received previous vincristine therapy; this factor did not appear significant with regard to toxicity or response to VDS.