VINDESINE IN THE TREATMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL-CARCINOMA - PHASE-II STUDY

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 63  (11-1) , 2019-2021
Abstract
Vindesine, a new vinca alkaloid, has shown therapeutic activity in several human malignancies. A phase II study in 26 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus was performed. Of these patients, 60% had received prior chemotherapy. The starting dose was 3.0 mg/m2, which was escalated by 0.5 mg/m2 to a maximum of 4.5 mg/m2. Treatment was given once weekly for 7 wk and every other week thereafter. Patients (23) were evaluable for response and toxicity. One complete remission (3 mo.), 3 partial remissions (5, 4 and 2+ mo.) and 2 minor responses (1.5 and 1 mo.) were seen. The major toxic effects were peripheral neuropathy, leukopenia, fever and myalgias, and alopecia. There was 1 drug-related death from leukopenia and sepsis. Vindesine has demonstrated therapeutic activity in esophageal carcinoma.