Comparison of vincristine and vindesine in the treatment of inoperable non-small cell bronchial carcinoma.

Sixty-three patients with inoperable symptomatic non-small cell carcinoma of the bronchus were randomly allocated to receive either vincristine (1.4 mg/m2) or vindesine (3 mg/m2). These drugs were given weekly for four doses, then every 2 weeks for two further doses, and then continued monthly if there had been a response. Only five partial responses (greater than 50% reduction) were obtained with vindesine and none with vincristine. Disabling toxic effects occurred in 13 patients. This was more common with vindesine, but this group also received more prolonged therapy. Vindesine has modest activity against non-small cell carcinoma of the bronchus and may be more effective than vincristine, with similar toxicity.