First-line and salvage therapy of metastatic breast cancer with mitomycin/vinblastine.

The combination chemotherapy regimen of mitomycin/vinblastine has been used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer since the early 1980s. We report results of use of mitomycin/vinblastine in 35 women with metastatic breast cancer who had failed prior treatment with one to four chemotherapeutic regimens. Despite heavy prior treatment and significant tumor burdens, 34% of patients achieved a partial remission and another 14% had disease stabilization with a very acceptable toxicity profile. This regimen was also used for the first time as first-line chemotherapy in 11 women with metastatic breast cancer. Response was observed in 9 of 11 patients (82%). Hemolytic-uremic syndrome occurred in 6 of the 46 women (13%) treated in the two protocols and is the most serious potential complication. Mitomycin/vinblastine is an effective salvage regimen and an excellent first-line chemotherapeutic treatment for women with metastatic breast cancer.