Single-agent vinorelbine as third-line chemotherapy for refractory non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract

The role of third-line chemotherapy for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still unclear. The aim of this phase II study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of vinorelbine in patients with metastatic NSCLC pretreated with platin- and taxane-based chemotherapy. A total of 16 patients with metastatic NSCLC were enrolled. Patients received vinorelbine at a dose of 30 mg/m² on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle, on an outpatient basis. A total of 39 treatment cycles were administered. All patients were assessable for response, toxicity, and survival. No objective responses were documented. Stabile disease was achieved in two (12.5%) patients. The median progression-free survival was 44 days (95% CI 32-57 days) and the estimated median overall survival was 103 days (95% CI 78-129 days). Neutropenia was the main toxicity. This single institution study demonstrated that vinorelbine given at this schedule and dose in patients with refractory NSCLC had limited activity.