Safety and efficacy of vinorelbine in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes the majority (more than 80%) of lung cancer diagnoses. Systemic therapy, with either cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or targeted therapies, has been established to provide benefit to patients with NSCLC in both the adjuvant and advanced disease settings. Vinorelbine, a semi-synthetic vinca-alkaloid has been extensively tested alone and in combination with other cytotoxic or targeted agents in the treatment of NSCLC. Its safety has been well established with neutropenia, anemia, nausea, and vomiting being the most frequently encountered toxicities. The data defining the risks and benefits of vinorelbine in the treatment of NSCLC will be summarized.