Phase II study of vinorelbine (Navelbine) in previously treated small cell lung cancer patients. EORTC Lung Cancer Cooperative Group.

26 previously treated patients with progressive recurrent small cell lung cancer (SCLC) were given vinorelbine (Navelbine), 30 mg/m2 weekly. All patients had responded to first-line chemotherapy and were off therapy for at least 3 months. Partial response was observed in 4 out of 25 eligible patients (16%; 95% confidence interval 4-36%), stable disease in 7 patients and progression in 12 patients. The limiting toxicity was a non-cumulative leucopenia (80%, 32% WHO grade 3-4). Reaction at the site of injection was observed in 5 patients, causing treatment discontinuation in 2 cases. Other non-haematological toxicities were moderate. These results suggest acceptable toxicity and some antitumour activity of vinorelbine in pretreated SCLC patients.