Phase II study of vinorelbine in advanced and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of intravenous vinorelbine as single-agent chemotherapy in patients with advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between August 1993 and July 1995, 35 patients with advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix were entered onto this study. Patients had received no prior therapeutic chemotherapy. The initial dose of vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 was administered as a weekly intravenous infusion. Subsequent doses were unchanged, reduced, escalated, or omitted according to observed toxicity. Patients were evaluated for response and toxicity using standard Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) and World Health Organization criteria, respectively.

RESULTS

Thirty-three of 35 patients were assessable for response and 35 of 35 for toxicity. The overall response rate was 18% (one complete response [CR], five partial responses [PR]). The mean response duration was 5.2 months and the median survival from treatment for all patients was 11.0 months. The major toxicity was leukopenia, with 61% of patients who had grade 3 or 4. Gastrointestinal and neurotoxicity were infrequent and mild.

CONCLUSION

Vinorelbine has moderate activity in advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Further studies of combination regimens with this agent are justified in this patient population.