Navelbine for non-small lung cancer – pro
Although Navelbine is an older drug for lung cancer, it remains an effective option. Vinorelbine, a semi-synthetic vinca-alkaloid has been extensively tested alone and in combination with other cytotoxic or targeted agents in the treatment of NSCLC. Its safety has been well established with neutropenia, anemia, nausea, and vomiting being the most frequently encountered toxicities. A 2000 study by Julien demonstrated that about 15% of inoperable patients obtained survival greater than or equal to 18 months, and one patient obtained exceptional survival of more than 120 months. The mean dose intensity of Navelbine in long-term survivors was 21.61 mg/m2/week. It is probably less effective that this when used as single agent in later lines of therapy. The drug was approved in France in 1989 under the brand name Navelbine for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. It gained approval to treat metastatic breast cancer in 1991. Vinorelbine received approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 1994.
Julien, S., et al.Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Study of Long-Term Survival After Vinorelbine (The Oncologist)
v.5, no.2 The Oncologist (April 2000): 115-119
Bryan A. Faller and Trailokya N. Pandit . Safety and Efficacy of Vinorelbine in the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Clin Med Insights Oncol. 2011; 5: 131–144
nccn.org, 2013
Navelbine, Prescribing Information 2013