Phase II trial of vindesine in advanced head and neck cancer

Twenty-one patients with advanced epidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck region were treated with vindesine. Therapy was started at a dose of 3 mg/m2. Dose escalation by 0.5 mg/m2 weekly to a maximum of 4.0 mg/m2 was permitted when no toxicity was seen. Major dose-limiting toxic effects were neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy. Objective responses were seen in five patients: three partial responses lasting 2, 2, and 3 months, and two minor responses lasting 2 and 5 months.