Vinorelbine and estramustine in androgen-independent metastatic prostate cancer: a phase II study.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the safety and activity of vinorelbine in combination with estramustine in men with androgen-independent metastatic prostate cancer.

METHODS

Twenty-five men with androgen-independent metastatic prostate cancer were treated with the combination of vinorelbine and estramustine. Vinorelbine 25 mg/m(2) was administered by intravenous bolus on Days 1 and 8. Estramustine 140 mg was administered three times a day by mouth on Days 1 through 14. Treatment was repeated every 21 days.

RESULTS

A total of 132 cycles of treatment were administered. The median number of cycles per patient was 5 (range: 1-16). Mild Grade 1 or 2 gastrointestinal toxicity and fatigue were the most common adverse effects. Hematologic toxicity was minimal. Treatment resulted in a sustained > 50% decrease in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in 6 of 25 patients (24% of patients; 95% confidence interval (CI) 9-45%). The median duration of PSA response was 10 weeks (range: 3-39 weeks). Of the five men with bidimensionally measurable disease, none achieved a complete or partial response. There were no documented improvements in post-treatment bone scans. Median overall survival time was 14.1 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of vinorelbine and estramustine is a well-tolerated and modestly active regimen in men with androgen-independent metastatic prostate cancer.