First-line chemotherapy with vinorelbine and paclitaxel as simultaneous infusion in advanced breast cancer

Oncology. 2000;58(1):3-7. doi: 10.1159/000012071.

Abstract

Based on preclinical data showing a synergistic activity of simultaneous administration of vinorelbine and paclitaxel, we carried out a phase II trial in previously untreated advanced breast cancer patients. Treatment consisted of vinorelbine 25 mg/m(2) and paclitaxel 150 mg/m(2), both drugs given by intravenous infusion over 3 h on day 1, with cycles repeated every 3 weeks. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, 300 microg subcutaneously, was given on days 7-12 to the first 10 patients. From October 1995 to January 1997, 43 patients with advanced breast cancer entered the study, and 41 were evaluable for response. We obtained 2 complete responses (5%) and 18 partial responses (44%), for an overall response rate of 49% (95% CI 34-64%). Median time to response, time to progression and survival were 2, 7 and 22 months, respectively. Myelosuppression was the dose-limiting toxicity, with G4 neutropenia in 21% and neutropenic fever in 7% of the patients. Other toxicities were mild. Simultaneous infusion of vinorelbine and paclitaxel is a well-tolerated and active regimen in metastatic breast cancer, with overall results similar to those reported with more toxic regimens; furthermore, it may be a good option in patients with anthracycline contraindications.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Clinical Trial, Phase II

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Synergism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Middle Aged
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vinblastine / administration & dosage
  • Vinblastine / analogs & derivatives
  • Vinorelbine

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Vinblastine
  • Paclitaxel
  • Vinorelbine