Phase II evaluation of vindesine in patients with non-small cell carcinoma of the lung.

Fifty-two patients with non-small cell carcinoma of the lung were treated iv with doses of vindesine at 3--4 mg/m2/week iv. Partial responses occurred in all histologic types in ten of 46 adequately treated patients, for an overall response rate of 22%. Patients not previously treated with chemotherapy had a higher response rate than those who had received prior chemotherapy (33% versus 12%). Reversible peripheral neuropathy occurred in all patients, and was generally of a mild to moderate degree. Mild leukopenia was seen frequently, with a median wbc nadir of 2900/mm3. As reported with the older vinca alkaloids, platelet-sparing with occasional episodes of thrombocytosis occurred with vindesine. It is concluded that vindesine is an active agent in non-small cell carcinoma of the lung and that further studies in previously untreated patients are indicated.