A trial with single-agent vinorelbine in taxane-resistant non-small cell lung cancer

It is reported that the single-agent administration of vinorelbine (VNR) is improper in salvage therapy for non-small cell lung cancer. However, there are few reports on its use as second line in taxane-containing chemotherapy. We used single-agent VNR administration for nine cases of taxane-resistant non-small cell lung cancer, and an antitumor effect was seen in four cases. We present three of these cases. A factor for the high response rate is considered to be that vinca alkaloid is not used as a pre-treatment. Moreover, VNR may be effective even if there is a gene mutation for beta tubulin, which causes taxane resistance.