Vinflunine In Patients Research Articles

VinCaP: a phase II trial of vinflunine in locally advanced and metastatic squamous carcinoma of the penis

BackgroundWe investigated the first-line activity of vinflunine in patients with penis cancer. Cisplatin-based combinations are commonly used, but survival is not prolonged; many patients are unfit for such treatment or experience toxicity that outweighs clinical benefit.MethodsTwenty-five patients with inoperable squamous carcinoma of the penis were recruited to a single-arm, Fleming–A’Hern exact phase II trial. Treatment comprised 4 cycles of vinflunine 320 mg/m2, given every 21 days. Primary endpoint was clinical benefit rate (CBR: objective responses plus stable disease) assessed after 4 cycles. Seven or more objective responses or disease stabilisations observed in 22 evaluable participants would exclude a CBR of <15%, with a true CBR of >40% being probable.ResultsTwenty-two participants were evaluable. Ten objective responses or disease stabilisations were confirmed. CBR was 45.5%, meeting the primary endpoint; partial response rate was 27.3%. Seven patients received >4 cycles of vinflunine. Dose reduction or treatment delay was required for 20% of cycles. In all, 68% of patients experienced at least one grade 3 adverse event. Two deaths on treatment were not caused by disease progression.ConclusionsPre-specified clinical activity threshold was exceeded. Toxicity was in keeping with experience in other tumours. Vinflunine merits further study in this disease.Trial registrationNCT02057913.

Vinflunine in the treatment of relapsed metastatic urothelial cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of real-world series.

Vinflunine (VFL) is approved in Europe as second-line treatment of metastatic urothelial cancer after failure of platinum-containing therapy. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of real-world data (RWD) to assess utilization, efficacy and safety of VFL. We performed a MEDLINE search for the period of 1/1/2000-31/8/2017. Full-length articles providing post-marketing RWD on VFL in patients failing previous chemotherapy were eligible. Interventional clinical trials were excluded. Ten studies with 797 patients were identified. According to pooled REs analysis, overall response rate was 19%, most frequent, all-grade toxicities were fatigue (41%), constipation (39%), nausea/vomiting (25%), and most prevalent Grade 3-4 toxicities were neutropenia (13%), anaemia (9%), fatigue (8%). Median OS was comparable to results reported in recent randomized studies. Our findings confirm the efficacy and safety of VFL in an unselected population and support the use of VFL in the changing treatment paradigm of relapsed mUC.

Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of Vinflunine in Patients With Urothelial Transitional Cell Carcinoma Resistant to Platinum-Based Regimens

Aim. To assess the economic outcomes of using vinflunine in combination with the best supportive therapy (BST) in the treatment of patients with urothelial transitional cell carcinoma (UTCC) and ineffectiveness of chemotherapy with a cisplatin-containing combination of drugs and the inability to use immuno-oncological drugs. Methods. The economic impact assessment was carried out using cost-effectiveness analysis and budget impact analysis. Cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses were performed in Microsoft Excel models. Results. The use of vinflunine in combination with BST in the second-line chemotherapy of UTCC, compared with using BST only, increases the life expectancy of patients – overall survival (OS) with vinflunine + BST was 6.9 months, only with BST was 4.3 months. The amount of additional costs to achieve one unit of efficiency (ICER) when using vinflunine in combination with BST amounted to 190 920 rubles for one added month of life, which is 61.7% lower compared to the reference ICER for pembrolizumab (the drug is included in the drug list). As a result of the analysis of the “impact on the budget”, it was shown that the use of therapy with vinflunine requires additional financial costs for a course of treatment in the amount of 49 639 191 руб. (57,76%) for the first year, 138 516 980 руб. (80,03%) for the second year and 263 841 866 руб. (88,91%) for the third year of the analyzed introduction of vinflunine into the structure of drug provision for patients with UTCC in the Russian Federation, based on the calculation of the need for 586 patients per year. Conclusion. Based on the analysis, it was shown that therapy with vinflunine combination with BST is a cost-effective and preferred alternative compared to BST for treating patients with urothelial transitional cell carcinoma and ineffectiveness of chemotherapy with a cisplatin-containing combination of drugs and the inability to use immuno-oncological drugs.

Safety of Vinflunine in Patients with Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma Refractory to Platinum-based Chemotherapy: A Prospective Pilot Study.

Several single chemotherapeutic agents have been evaluated as the second-line treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma. Despite encouraging efficacy outcomes, toxicity has often led to dose modifications or discontinuation. We aimed to assess the safety of vinflunine in a particular population of advanced transitional cell carcinoma of urothelium (TCCU), that were exposed to the previous toxicity of chemotherapy. This is an open-label, prospective, single-center pilot study to evaluate the response rate and safety profile of vinflunine in patients with advanced TCCU. It was planned to enroll 25 evaluable patients. Eligible patients are those with progressive disease after first-line platinum-based regimen for advanced or metastatic disease. The study was prematurely closed due to two sudden deaths that were judged by the review board as treatment-related. Only ten patients were evaluated and received at least one cycle of vinflunine. All but one were male and seven underwent radical surgery. Eight had a distant metastasis (mainly lung and/or liver). Disease control rate was 40%, four patients had a partial response with median duration of response of 3.5 months. The median overall survival was 3.2 months (95% CI:1.67- 4.73). There were three serious adverse events namely two sudden deaths and one grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Nine grade 3/4 adverse events occurred. The most common all-grade adverse events were fatigue (50%), constipation (40%) and vomiting (40%). Moreover, grade 3 fatigue occurred in 30% of patients. Only one patient, who achieved PR for 5 months, was fit to receive further cytotoxic chemotherapy. The activity of vinflunine in advanced urothelial carcinoma came at the expense of its safety. The use of vinflunine has to be limited to the selected group of patients. However, this is a single institute experience in a limited number of patients.

128P - Differential gene expression profiles in poor vs good responders to maintenance vinflunine in patients (p) with advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC): Preliminary results of biomarker analyses from the MAJA trial (SOGUG 2011/02)

128P - Differential gene expression profiles in poor vs good responders to maintenance vinflunine in patients (p) with advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC): Preliminary results of biomarker analyses from the MAJA trial (SOGUG 2011/02)

Real-life clinical practice results with vinflunine in patients with relapsed platinum-treated metastatic urothelial carcinoma: an Italian multicenter study (MOVIE-GOIRC 01\u20132014)

BackgroundVinflunine is the only chemotherapeutic agent shown to improve survival in platinum-refractory patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium (TCCU) in a phase III clinical trial, which led to product registration for this indication in Europe. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of vinflunine and to evaluate the prognostic significance of risk factors in a large, unselected cohort of patients with metastatic TCCU treated according to routine clinical practice.MethodsThis was a retrospective multicenter study. Italian cancer centers were selected if, according to the Registry of the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), at least four patients had been treated with vinflunine between February 2011 and June 2014, after first- or second-line platinum-based chemotherapy. The primary objective was to test whether the efficacy measured by overall survival (OS) in the registration study could be confirmed in routine clinical practice. Multivariate analysis was carried out using Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsA total of 217 patients were treated in 28 Italian centers. Median age was 69 years (IQR 62–76) and 84% were male; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) was ≥ 1 in 53% of patients. The median number of cycles was 4 (IQR 2–6); 29%, 35%, and 36% received an initial dose of 320 mg/m2, 280 mg/m2 or a lower dose, respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and OS for the entire population was 3.2 months (2.6–3.7) and 8.1 months (6.3–8.9). A complete response was observed in six patients, partial response in 21, stable disease in 60, progressive disease in 108, with a disease control rate of 40%. Multivariate analysis showed that ECOG PS, number of metastatic sites and liver involvement were unfavorable prognostic factors for OS. Toxicity was mild, and grade 3–4 adverse effects were mainly: neutropenia (9%), anemia (6%), asthenia/fatigue (7%) and constipation (5%).ConclusionsIn routine clinical practice the results obtained with VFL seem to be better than the results of the registration trial and reinforce evidence supporting its use after failure of a platinum-based chemotherapy.

A randomized phase II/III study of cabazitaxel versus vinflunine in metastatic or locally advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium (SECAVIN).

285 Background: Despite the advent of immunotherapy in urothelial cancer, there is still a need to find effective cytotoxic agents beyond first line. Vinflunine is EMA approved and used in several European countries. Docetaxel is widely used in second line. Cabazitaxel is a taxane with clinical activity in docetaxel-refractory cancers. A randomised study was conducted to compare its efficacy vs vinflunine. Methods: This was a multicenter, randomised, open-label, phase II/III study, following a Simon’s optimal method with early stopping rules based on an interim futility analysis. The study (NCT01830231) was supported by a research grant from Sanofi. The trial was aiming at superiority of cabazitaxel compared to vinflunine in patients progressing to platinum. ECOG, anemia and liver metastases were stratification factors. The primary objective for the phase II study was overall response rate (ORR), and overall survival (OS) for the phase III. Secondary objectives included safety and progression free survival (PFS). Results: 70 patients were included in the phase II across 19 institutions in Europe. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two arms. Mean age 63 years; 56 (80%) were men. No statistically significant differences were detected between arms for ORR (p=0.26). Three patients (13%) obtained a partial response on cabazitazel (95% CI, 2.7–32.4) and six patients (30%) in the vinflunine arm (95% CI, 11.9–54.3). Median PFS for cabazitaxel was 1.9 months versus 2.9 months for vinflunine (p=0.039). The study did not proceed to phase III since the futility analysis showed a lack of efficacy of cabazitaxel. A trend for OS benefit was found favouring vinflunine (median 7.6 versus 5.5 months). Grade 3-4 related adverse events were seen in 41% patients with no difference between arms. The most frequent toxicities associated with cabazitaxel were asthenia, diarrhea, anemia and febrile neutropenia. Conclusions: This phase II/III second line bladder trial comparing cabazitaxel with vinflunine was closed early when the phase II showed a lack of efficacy of the cabazitaxel arm. Vinflunine results were consistent with those observed in the phase III. Clinical trial information: NCT01830231.

From Clinical Trials to the Front Line: Vinflunine for Treatment of Urothelial Cell Carcinoma at the National Cancer Institute of Naples.

Background: The efficacy of Vinflunine, after failure of platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with metastatic or recurrent Transitional Cell Cancer of the Urothelial Tract, TCCU, has been demonstrated in an international, randomized, phase III trial comparing Vinflunine plus Best Supportive Care, BSC, with BSC alone. On the basis of that study vinflunine has been approved by the European Medicine Association, EMA, for treatment of TCCU patients after failure of a platinum treatment. However, since data in clinical trials often differ from routine clinical practice due to unselected population and less strict monitoring, “real life” experiences are very helpful to verify the efficacy of a new therapy.Methods: This was a spontaneous, observational, retrospective study involving 43 patients with metastatic TCCU treated with vinflunine at our cancer center, data about demographics, disease characteristics, and previous treatments were collected and outcome and toxicities of vinflunine were analyzed.Results: 41 of 43 patients were eligible for RR analysis, the Overall RR was 12%, the Disease Control Rate was 29%; when including only patients treated in II line the DCR rose to 33%; the median PFS and the median OS were 2.2 and 6.9 months, respectively.Conclusion: Our findings were consistent with the outcome data emerged in the phase III randomized trial and in the other observational studies conducted all around Europe in the last 2–3 years. This experience supports the use of vinflunine in patients with advanced TTCU as effective and manageable antineoplastic drug.

Safety and effectiveness of vinflunine in patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelial tract after failure of one platinum-based systemic therapy in clinical practice.

BackgroundPatients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelial tract (TCCU) who fail initial platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced disease represent a challenge in daily clinical practice. Vinflunine is approved by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) but, up to now, limited experience has been reported outside clinical trials.MethodsWe assessed the efficacy and safety of vinflunine in an unselected group of 102 consecutive patients with metastatic TCCU.ResultsThe median age was 67 years (range 45–83). Among the most common comorbidities that patients presented at baseline were hypertension (50.5%) and diabetes (20.7%).Distant metastases were present in retroperitoneal nodes (58%), lung (29.3%), and bone (20.2%). The ECOG 0, 1 and 2 performance status at the start of vinflunine were 31.3%, 60.6% and 8.1%, respectively. The most commonly reported adverse events of any grade were constipation 70.6% (5.9% grade 3–4), vomiting 49.1% (2% grade 3–4), neutropenia 48.1% (12.8% grade 3–4) and abdominal pain 34.3% (4.9% grade 3–4). A median of 4 cycles of vinflunine was administered per patient (range 1–18). Median progression free and overall survival for all patients (N = 102) were 3.9 months (2.3-5.5) and 10 months (7.3-12.8), respectively. Time to tumor progression was 4.3 months (2.6-5.9). Two patients (2%) achieved CR, 23 (22.5%) patients had PR, and 42 (41.2%) presented SD as best response. The clinical benefit rate with vinflunine was 65.7%.ConclusionsOur results show that the behavior of vinflunine in routine clinical practice resembles that of the pivotal phase III randomized study.

How to manage intravenous vinflunine in cancer patients with renal impairment: results of a pharmacokinetic and tolerability phase I study

Vinflunine (VFL) ditartrate, a novel tubulin-targeted inhibitor, is registered for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic urothelial transitional cell carcinoma. This phase I study assessed the effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of VFL. VFL was infused in patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumours once every 3 weeks with anticipated dose reduction on the first cycle stratified according to the creatinine clearance (CLcr ) values. Pharmacokinetic data were collected on the first two cycles in renally impaired patients (CLcr ≤ 60 ml min(-1) ) and were compared with a control cohort of patients (CLcr > 60 ml min(-1) ). Thirty-three patients (46-86 years) were treated, 13 in group 1 (40 ml min(-1) ≤ CLcr ≤ 60 ml min(-1) ) and 20 in group 2 (20 ml min(-1) ≤ CLcr < 40 ml min(-1) ). The renal dysfunction induced a mean decrease in VFL clearance of 12% in group 1 and 28% in group 2, compared with the control group. The anticipated dose reduction given in renally impaired patients (i.e. 280 mg m(-2) and 250 mg m(-2) in groups 1 and 2, respectively) yielded similar drug exposure to control patients. The tolerance profile of VFL in patients with renal dysfunction was similar to that observed in patients with CLcr > 60 ml min(-1) . In conclusion, the recommended doses of intravenous VFL administered once every 3 weeks in cancer patients with renal impairment are 280 mg m(-2) when CLcr is between 40 and 60 ml min(-1) and 250 mg m(-2) when CLcr is between 20 and <40 ml min(-1) .

Safety and effectiveness of vinflunine in patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelial tract (TCCU) after failure to one cisplatin-based systemic therapy in clinical practice.

332 Background: Vinflunine (VFL) is the first agent to show a survival improvement for platinum-refractory patients (pts) with metastatic TCCU in a phase III clinical trial. After EMA approval in September 2009, ESMO (Bellmunt, 2011) and SOGUG (Castellano, 2012) guidelines recommend VFL as second-line therapy. Methods: This is a multicenter and retrospective study to describe the experience with VFL in Spain. Pts with histologically confirmed metastatic TCCU were treated with VFL (280-320mg/m2 every 3 weeks) until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Pts were evaluated according to institutional local follow-up program. Results: From April 2010 to June 2013, we registered 102 pts in fifteen Spanish centers. All patients are evaluable for safety and 98 for efficacy. Median age: 67years (range 45-83), ECOG 0/1/2 previous to VFL (pts%): 31/61/8. Bladder carcinoma was the primary disease site in 84 pts and 46 % of them received cisplatinum-based chemotherapy. Metastatic involvement was: lymph nodes 67.7%, lung 36.4%, bone 28.1%, and liver 21.6%. The median number of cycles of VFL was 4 (1-18). The objective response rate was 25.5% (CR in 2 pts and PR in 23 pts), stable disease in 42.9% and progressive disease in 31.6%. The median follow-up was 6.6 months (0.4 to 43): median progression-free survival 3.9 months (95% CI, 2.3 to 5.5), median time to progression 4.3 months (95% CI, 2.6 to 5.9) and median overall survival 10 months (95% CI, 7.3 to 12.8). At the time of the analysis, 79.4%pts had progressive disease after VFL and 64.7% died. Grade 3/4 adverse events included: nausea/vomiting 13.8% of pts, neutropenia 12.8%, constipation 5.9%, and abdominal pain 4.9%. No toxic death were reported. Conclusions: This retrospective analysis confirms the benefit of VFL in patients with TCCU after failure in a platinum-containing chemotherapy regimen. Results of the randomized trial are reproducible in Spanish Oncology Centers on a daily clinical practice and its toxicity profile results are acceptable and manageable.

Monotherapy with Intravenous Vinflunine in Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Cancer after Failure of a Platinum-Containing Regimen: A Retrospective Analysis of German Routine Data

Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of vinflunine monotherapy and the utility of second-line prognostic factors in patients with advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer relapsing/progressing during or after a prior platinum-containing regimen under daily routine clinical conditions in Germany. Methods: The selection was based on the marketing authorization indication and recommendations as well as on the evaluation of second-line prognostic factors issued from prior pivotal trials. Results: Eight centers across Germany provided a total of 21 patient records. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar to the data previously reported in pivotal trials. Complete and partial response to vinflunine treatment was observed in 1 (4.8%) and 3 (14.3%) patients, respectively, resulting in an overall response rate of 19.1%. The disease control rate reached 47.7%. The median progression-free survival amounted to 4.4 months (95% CI 2.6-6.6), with a median overall survival of 6.2 months (95% CI 3.9-10.7). The observed toxicity profile was manageable and consistent with prior clinical trials: leukopenia (33.3%), neutropenia (9.5%), anemia (9.5%) and hyperglycemia (4.8%). The reported satisfaction rate with the treatment was 90.5 and 61.9% among patients and physicians, respectively. Conclusions: This retrospective study confirms that the clinical outcomes obtained from routine medical practice in Germany with vinflunine in the treatment of advanced/metastatic urothelial cancer are in line with the data observed in prior clinical trials.

Vinflunine (VFL) as second-line chemotherapy for patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium (TCCU): A multicenter retrospective study.

e15620 Background: VFL is the standard chemotherapy in second-line advanced TCCU in Europe (EMA approval 21/09/2009). We set up a multicenter retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of VFL in patients (pts) with advanced TCCU after platinum failure within the framework of routine practice. Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study in pts who had demonstrated prior progression to a platinum-containing chemotherapy regimen at 7 centers. VFL standard dose (280-320/m2 every three weeks) was administered until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Objective response was evaluated according to RECIST criteria v.1.1. Results: Between April 2010 and December 2012, a total of 45 pts with median age of 68 years (range 47-83) were analyzed. Main characteristics: ECOG 0-1-2 in 7pts (15.6%), 33pts (73.3%), 5pts (11.1%). Mean creatinine clearance was 59 ml/min. Primary sites of disease were bladder 39pts (86.7%), renal pelvis 5pts (11.1%) and prostatic urethra 1pt (2.2%). All pts had previously received platinum-based chemotherapy as a first-line treatment (cisplatin in 45% of pts). Metastatic locations were: 27pts (60%) lymph nodes, 18pts (40%) lung, 13pts (29%) bone and 10pts (22%) liver. The median number of cycles of VFL was 5 (1-18). All pts were assessed for response, one (2.2%) patient presented complete response (CR), 11pts (24.4%) partial response (PR), 18pts (40%) stable disease (SD) and 15pts (33.4%) progressive disease (PD). Median progression-free survival was 4 months (95% CI, 2.2-5.7). Median overall survival (OS) was 11 months (95% CI, 3.5-18). OS at 6 months was 45%. Liver metastasis was the main prognostic factor for OS (p=0.04). Grade 3/4 adverse events included neutropenia 6pts (13%), constipation 4pts (9%), abdominal pain 4pts (9%) and nausea/vomiting 3pts (6%). Conclusions: This retrospective analysis confirm VFL as an active agent in pts progressing after platinum-based combination for advanced TCCU in a daily clinical practice in Spain. As ESMO (Bellmunt J, 2011) and Spanish (Castellano D, 2012) guidelines recommend vinflunine, it should be offered in this setting or alternatively, treatment within a clinical trial.

Combined treatment with pazopanib and vinflunine in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma refractory after first-line therapy

The role of pazopanib in the second-line setting of refractory metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium has not been defined clearly. The aim of this phase I/II trial was to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of combining pazopanib and vinflunine in patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium after failure of first-line platinum-containing therapy. From May 2011 to December 2011, five patients were enrolled in this trial. Pazopanib was the investigated compound; four levels were planned (200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/day). Vinflunine was dosed at 280 mg/m for the first dose and 320 mg/m every 3 weeks thereafter. After the definition of a tolerated dose for the combined therapy, a subsequent phase II study was planned. At the starting level, pazopanib 200 mg/day, dose-limiting toxicities were observed in two of five patients. One patient experienced grade 4 febrile neutropenia, which led to treatment discontinuation. A second patient showed grade 3 hepatobiliary disorder with an increase in γ-glutamyltransferase. The study was interrupted at dose level 1 for safety reasons. The initially planned phase II study was therefore not carried out. This phase I study showed that combined therapy of daily pazopanib (200 mg) and vinflunine (280/320 mg/m) every 3 weeks is poorly tolerated in patients with refractory advanced urothelial cancer.

Phase II study of intravenous vinflunine after failure of first-line vinorelbine based regimen for advanced breast cancer

PurposeThis open label phase II study evaluated the safety and efficacy of vinflunine in patients with breast cancer previously treated with a vinorelbine-based regimen and who progressed during or within 6 months of completing this chemotherapy. Patients and methodsThirty eight patients received vinflunine 320 mg/m2 once every 3 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. ResultsORR was 8.3% (95% CI: 1.75–22.4) and DCR was 75% (95% CI: 57.8–87.9). PFS was 4.0 months (95% CI: 2.5–6.1) and OS was 13.6 months (95% CI: 8.7–18.9).Toxicities not hampering dose intensity were as expected neutropenia (75.6% of patients), fatigue (44.7%), constipation (28.9%) and abdominal pain (26.3%). ConclusionVinflunine demonstrated antitumour activity and can be safely administered in breast cancer patients refractory/resistant to vinorelbine.

Phase II Trial of Vinflunine in Relapsed Small Cell Lung Cancer

Vinflunine is a new microtubule inhibitor with preclinical activity in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). In this phase II trial, we evaluated vinflunine in patients with relapse-sensitive and refractory SCLC. This trial aimed to achieve a 20% objective response rate (ORR) in platinum-sensitive patients. Patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 2 and measurable disease received vinflunine (320 mg/m(2) IV) every 21 days (< or =6 cycles; response evaluation every 6 weeks). Patient characteristics (N = 51): median age 63 years (range, 37-85 years); male, 55%; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2, 16%; relapse-sensitive SCLC, 53%. The overall ORR was 19.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 10-33%). Twelve (23.5%) patients had stable disease; 18 (35.3%) patients had progressive disease. Among relapse-sensitive patients, ORR was 22.2% (95% CI 9-42%). Among relapse-refractory patients, ORR was 16.7% (95% CI 5-37%). Median follow-up was 15 months (range, 12-18 months); median progression-free survival (PFS) was 1.6 months (95% CI 1.3-3.9 months); median overall survival (OS) was 4.9 months (95% CI 3.2- 6.5 months). Among relapse-sensitive patients, PFS and OS were 1.6 and 4.9 months, respectively. Among relapsed-refractory patients, PFS and OS were 1.4 and 4.0 months, respectively. In general, vinflunine was well tolerated, although neutropenia was a notable toxicity. Grade 3/4 toxicities (>5%): neutropenia (32%), arthralgia/myalgia (16%), fatigue (16%), hyponatremia (12%), leukopenia (12%), nausea/vomiting (12%), constipation (6%), and thrombocytopenia (6%). The rates of toxicities were relatively well balanced among relapse-sensitive and refractory patients; one patient died of sepsis that was possibly treatment related. Vinflunine has activity in relapsed SCLC, including refractory relapsed patients. Neutropenia was common but associated with rare febrile episodes. Additional study in relapse-refractory SCLC is indicated.

Clinical Activity of Vinflunine in Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urothelium and Other Solid Tumors

Vinflunine is a novel microtubule inhibitor of the vinca alkaloid class currently in development for the treatment of advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium (TCCU) and other solid tumors. This review summarizes the clinical activity of vinflunine as a single agent or in combination with other antineoplastic drugs. Vinflunine is active against a variety of tumor types, including advanced TCCU, metastatic breast cancer, advanced non-small cell lung cancer, and malignant pleural mesothelioma. It has a manageable and noncumulative toxicity profile, and its specific mechanism of action has been linked to a reduced potential for peripheral sensory neuropathy. The activity and tolerability of this agent warrant further investigation. Phase 3 trials are underway to further define the extent of clinical benefit provided by vinflunine in patients with advanced solid malignancies.

Phase II trial of vinflunine (VFL) in sensitive and refractory relapsed small-cell lung cancer (SCLC): Updated results

19028 Background: VFL is a new microtubule inhibitor with preclinical activity in SCLC. In this multicenter, community-based phase II trial, we evaluated VFL in patients (pts) with sensitive and re...

Vinflunine: A New Microtubule Inhibitor Agent

Vinflunine (Javlor) is the first fluorinated microtubule inhibitor belonging to the Vinca alkaloids family. Vinflunine is obtained by semisynthesis using superacidic chemistry to selectively introduce two fluorine atoms at the 20' position of the catharanthine moiety. This compound has been selected for clinical development on the basis of encouraging preclinical activity that warrants study in patients with a wide spectrum of solid tumors. Clinically significant activity has been seen in phase II studies, mainly in the treatment of transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelial tract, non-small cell lung cancer, and carcinoma of the breast. Vinflunine is currently in phase III trial assessment in patients with (second line) transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium and first-line advanced breast cancer. The efficacy of vinflunine in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer previously treated with a platinum-containing regimen was confirmed by a large phase III trial.

Phase II study of IV vinflunine in patients with chemotherapy naive metastatic malignant melanoma

This phase II study evaluated vinflunine in chemotherapy naive patients with metastatic melanoma. Vinflunine was administered at 350 mg/m 2 every 3 weeks, but after 9 patients this was reduced to 320 mg/m 2 based on interim analyses of all phase II trials. A partial response was observed in 1 of the first 9 patients (11.1%) treated at 350 mg/m 2, which gives a 3.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08–15.8] response rate in 33 patients. No change was the best response in 13 patients (39.4%) with progressive disease in 16 (48.5%) and 3 were not evaluable for response. The time to response was 1.4 months and duration was 6 months. At 350 mg/m 2 grade 4 neutropaenia occurred in 3 patients (33.3%) and grade 3 in 2 patients (22.2%) while at 320 mg/m 2 grade 4 neutropaenia occurred in 6 patients (25%) and grade 3 in 3 patients (12.5%) with 2 episodes of grade 3 febrile neutropaenia. Two patients (8.3%) had grade 3 anaemia. These results do not show activity at this dose and schedule for vinflunine in patients with chemotherapy naive metastatic melanoma.