Activity of single agent vinorelbine in pretreated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Background: To assess the activity of single agent vinorelbine in pretreated non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patients and methods: Twenty-three pretreated patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (14 intermediate-high grade, nine low-grade) were treated with vinorelbine 30 mg/m(2)/week for six months or up to four doses after achieving CR. Results: Among 13 evaluable patients with intermediate-high grade lymphoma, three obtained CR and three PR, for an overall response rate of 46% (95% CI: 19%-75%). Median duration of response was six months. Otherwise, vinorelbine did not show any significant activity in chemotherapy-refractory low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Toxicity was acceptable, and the drug was well-tolerated even in elderly patients. Conclusions: The good activity and tolerability of vinorelbine in relapsed intermediate-high grade lymphoma suggest its inclusion in first-line regimens, especially in elderly patients.