Background: Vinorelbine as single-agent has achieved an overall response rate of > 20% as second-line treatment and 40%-50% as first-line treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity and toxicity of the combination of vinorelbine and thiotepa as second-line treatment in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Patients and methods: Thirty-three patients (31: anthracycline-based chemotherapy, 16: high-dose epirubicin) were given vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 and thiotepa 12 mg/m2 d 1 and 8 every 21 days.
Results: Among the 32 evaluable patients two complete responses and seven partial responses were observed, for an overall response rate of 28% (C.I. 12-44). The median duration of response was 9 months and the median time to progression 6 months. Significant toxicity was primarily leukopenia (72%); anemia was also frequent (48%) as well as local phlebitis (39%).
Conclusion: The present study has shown this combination to be active as second-line treatment, and its toxic effects have been well tolerated. It should be considered a reasonable option for patients with metastatic disease who have already been treated with anthracyclines.