A phase II study using vinorelbine and continuous 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced head and neck cancer

Acta Oncol. 2007;46(3):374-7. doi: 10.1080/02841860600959981.

Abstract

Seventy patients with advanced head and neck cancer were treated with vinorelbine and continuous 5-FU administered in a central venous catheter. Over all response was 36% with 9% complete responses. The most common grade 3 and 4 toxicities were stomatitis (13), infection (5), pain related to vinorelbine infusion (4), skin toxicity (3). Thirty one patients had grade 3 or 4 leukopenia. Treatment was complicated by venous thrombosis in the central venous catheter in one case. A majority of patients experienced dose reduction of one or both drugs or treatment delays due to toxicity. Median time to progression was 4.7 months and overall median survival 6.6 months. We conclude that the regimen is feasible and tolerated with moderate toxicity. Response rates and time to progression are comparable to other studies with multi agent treatment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy*
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects
  • Disease Progression
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infections / etiology
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Leukopenia / chemically induced
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / chemically induced
  • Skin Diseases / chemically induced
  • Stomatitis / chemically induced
  • Survival Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vinblastine / administration & dosage
  • Vinblastine / analogs & derivatives
  • Vinorelbine

Substances

  • Vinblastine
  • Vinorelbine
  • Fluorouracil