title: Phase II study of divided-dose vinblastine in advanced breast cancer patients.
abstract: The pharmacokinetics of a 5-day, continuous infusion of vinblastine have been reproduced by an i.v. divided bolus at 0 and 48 h [10]; this schedule can be easily applied to outpatients. We treated 26 evaluable patients with refractory, advanced breast cancer with 3.5-4 mg/m2 vinblastine given i.v. by a divided bolus at 0 and 48 h of 21-day cycles. Neurotoxicity and myelosuppression were the main side effects: severe constipation and peripheral neurotoxicity developed in 14% and 3% of the patients, respectively; severe leukopenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 24% and 10% of the patients, respectively. One partial response, 14 no changes, and 11 progressions were obtained. Our results do not support the use of vinblastine in divided doses in treating this disease.
authors.affiliation: Ospedale S. Giovanni, Divisione di Oncologia Medica, Torino, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Giaccone
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bagatella
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bertetto
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Donadio
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Calciati
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014747:Vinblastine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D014747:Vinblastine