Navelbine is the trade name for vinorelbine. It is called a “vinca alkaloid” because of the plant from which it is derived. It seems to interfere with cell division.
It has been tested in various regimens as treatment for mesothelioma. In one small study in 2001, of 29 patients treated with vinorelbine alone, 24% improved and 55% had stable disease. These results were good enough to lead to other trials.
Vinorelbine in combination with gemcitabine has been studied as second-line treatment in patients who have already had pemetrexed, with or without cisplatin. It is considered moderately active, with “acceptable” toxicity.
It causes many of the same side effects and problems associated with other chemotherapeutic agents.
Dr. Kaplan
