Vinorelbine/ cisplatin for esophageal cancer – pro

The vinorelbine/ cisplatin combination for esophageal cancer is based on Phase II data, more specifically on one phase II study. The authors concluded that, “…vinorelbine and cisplatin in combination constitutes an active regimen for patients with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus with response rates similar to the better treatment in the previous EORTC randomised study (34% for vinorelbine–cisplatin compared with 35% for cisplatin–5-FU), while substantially reducing the level of fatal treatment-related toxicity. This 2-day regimen is also more convenient for patients than the 5-day cisplatin–5-FU combination. However, given the long duration of the trial and decline of the incidence of squamous cell oesophageal carcinoma in North America and some Western European countries, no further development of this combination is scheduled within the EORTC.”. One can argue that since it is not being explored farther, it should nto be considered investigtioanl; however, a more correct conclusion is that it needs to be studied more but will not be for reasons outside of its experimetnal status.

Delord, J. P et al, A dose-finding study of gemcitabine and vinorelbine in advanced previously treated malignancies.Annals of Oncology. 11(1):73-79, January 2000.

T. Conroy , P.-L. Etienne , A. Adenis , M. Ducreux , B. Paillot , J. Oliveira , J.-F. Seitz , E. Francois , E. Van Cutsem , D. J. T. Wagener , F. Kohser , S. Daamen , M. Praet , T. Gorlia , B. Baron , and J. Wils
Vinorelbine and cisplatin in metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus: response, toxicity, quality of life and survival
Ann Oncol 13: 721-729.

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