Vinorelbine

Vinorelbine is a chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of cancer, including breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. It has been tested in mesothelioma also. Vinorelbine and related drugs are often called vinca alkaloids because the first of these drugs was developed from the periwinkle plant or 'vinca'. Vinorelbine works by stopping the cancer cells from separating into two new cells. So it blocks the growth of the cancer. These drugs are also part of a group called microtubule inhibitors. This just describes how they work when they kill cancer cells.

Vinorelbine is a pale yellow liquid that you have by injection through a fine tube (cannula) put into a vein (intravenously). Or you may have it through a central line that goes into a vein near your collarbone.

You usually have chemotherapy as a course of several cycles of treatment. The treatment plan for vinorelbine varies from patient to patient.

Common Side Effects

Many people have one or more of the following side effects

• Fatigue - patients say this is the most disruptive side effect of all. Tiredness often carries on after treatment has ended. Most people find their energy levels are back to normal from 6 months to a year after their treatment finishes.
• Constipation can be a problem for about 1 in 3 people when taking vinorelbine. This is generally kept under control with laxatives, which are given to prevent constipation. If you are constipated for more than 3 days, tell your doctor or nurse.
• Feeling or being sick - this is usually moderate. If you do get it, it is most likely within the first 24 hours after treatment. It is usually easily controlled with anti-sickness injections and tablets.
• Vinorelbine can cause pain along the vein used to give the injection. If this happens it is important to tell the person giving the drug - they can reduce the problem by flushing the drug through with more fluid.
• Vinorelbine can cause darkening/discoloration of the vein used to give the injection
• Temporary drop in bone marrow function causing
  • Drop in white blood cell count. This increases the risk of bacterial infection. You may have headaches, aching muscles, cough, sore throat, pain when passing urine or feel cold and shivery. Infections can sometimes be life threatening. You should urgently contact your doctor if you think you have an infection.
  • Drop in red cell count (anaemia), which may make you feel tired and look pale or be short of breath. You may need a blood transfusion or treatment to bring up your red cell count
  • Drop in platelet numbers in the blood causing bleeding or bruising. This can happen, but is less common with vinorelbine. If you have lots of tiny red spots, bruises on your arms or legs, nosebleeds or bleeding gums.

  Contact your doctor if you have any of these bone marrow side effects.

• Loss of fertility - Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected. It is important to talk to your doctor about your fertility before starting treatment.
• Vinorelbine may have a harmful effect on a developing baby. It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child if you are having this drug. You should talk about contraception with your doctor before having the treatment.

Occasional Side Effects

Some people may have one or more of the following side effects

• Diarrhoea can affect up to 1 in 5 people treated. It is usually controlled with anti-diarrhoea tablets.
• Sore mouth or mouth ulcers
• Temporary numbness and tingling in fingers and toes (peripheral neuropathy). This can be caused by the effect that vinorelbine has on your nerves. It is usually mild with this drug.
• While you are actually having the treatment, vinorelbine may leak into the tissues of the arm around the cannula site and may cause damage. It is important to tell the nurse or doctor if you have any
  • Stinging or burning around the cannula site
  • Leakage of fluid
  • Redness or swelling around the drip site
• Hair Loss – this is usually thinning rather than complete hair loss. It happens to about 1 in 10 people treated with vinorelbine.

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This website is sponsored by Jonathan David* of The David Law Firm. The David Law Firm is located in The Woodlands, Texas (Greater Houston Area) and can be reached toll free at 1-800-998-9729 for more information on mesothelioma. Jonathan David is not a medical doctor. The information on these pages is for the education of mesothelioma patients and their families regarding potential medical and legal options. Patients are advised to consult with a medical doctor.

*  Licensed by the Supreme Court  of Texas.

The use of chemotherapy in patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma: a clinical practice guideline.

Advances in the systemic therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Kinase Inhibitors for Mesothelioma Treatment

journal abstracts

Active symptom control with or without chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MS01): a multicentre randomised trial

The second wave in kinase cancer drugs

Cisplatin and vinorelbine first-line chemotherapy in non-resectable malignant pleural mesothelioma

Cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma.