Unresectable non-small cell lung cancer has a poor response to chemotherapy and has an unfortunate prognosis. More effective and less toxic cytotoxic agents are needed to improve the outcome of these pa tients. The efficacy and safety of vinorelbine monotherapy in these advanced lung cancer patients was evaluated.

Sixteen patients with non-small cell lung cancer in stage III or IV, who received vinorelbine alone as an intial anticancer chemotherapy from June 1996 to December 2000 were enrolled in this study. Vinorelbine was given intravenously at a dose 30mg/m2 every weel.

Among the sixteen patients, six had a partial response (38%) and the median survival was 16 weeks. The median response duration was 27 weeks (95% CI 6-47), and the time to progression was 16 weeks (95% CI 6-26). Among a ttal of 112 cycles, neutropenia (WHO grade 3 or 4) and anemia (grade 3) occurred in 9% and 3%, respectively. Only 1 patients required hospitalization for neutropenic fever. Non-hematologic toxicity was monor and was easily controlled.

Vinorelbine monotherapy was well tolerated, and moderatly effective in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.