Aim:

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of oral vinorelbine in the third-line treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials and Methods:

Oral vinorelbine was administered on days one and eight of every three weeks in 20 patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer until disease progression or development of unacceptable toxicity.

Results:

The median age of the patients was 64 (range:50-78) with a male dominance of 9/1. The two most common tumor histologies were squamous cell carcinoma (65%) and adenocarcinoma (30%). Partial response was observed in three patients, while stable disease was seen in five patients, and progression developed in the others. The median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 2 months (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.3-2.6) and the median overall survival (mOS) was 8 months (95% CI=0.1-17.5). On average, four cycles of oral vinorelbine were applied. Grade 3/4 side effects were not seen in any patient. Grade one anemia was observed in half, and 20% had grade one neutropenia. The most common non-haematological side effects were fatigue (65%), nausea (35%), and constipation (25%).

Conclusion:

Currently, there is no standard approach in third-line therapy. Our findings indicate that oral vinorelbine may be an important treatment option with acceptable toxicity, enabling a relatively long-term disease stabilization.

Keywords: Metastasis, lung cancer, chemotherapy