Activity of single agent vinorelbine in pretreated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Abstract

To assess the activity of single agent vinorelbine in pretreated non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Twenty-three pretreated patients with non-Hodglun's lymphoma (14 intermediate-high grade, nine low-grade) were treated with vinorelbine 30 mg/m²/week for six months or up to four doses after achieving CR. Among 13 evaluable patients with intermediatehigh grade lymphoma, three obtained CR and three PR, for an overall response rate of 46% (95% CI: 19%–75%). Median duration of response was six months. Othervise vinorelbine did not show any significant activity in chemotherapy-refractory low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Toxicity was acceptable, and the drug was well-tolerated even in elderly patients. The good activity and tolerability of vinorelbine in relapsed intermediate-high grade lymphoma suggest its inclusion in first-line regimens, expecially in elderly patients.