[Navelbine (vinorelbine): a review of its antitumor activity and toxicity in clinical studies].

Navelbine is a derivative of vinca alkaloid that interferes with tubulin assembly and exhibits antitumor activity. Clinical trials with single-agent Navelbine proved it to be effective against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, and other tumors. At present, clinical trials by combination with various drugs are ongoing NSCLC and breast cancer. Navelbine+cisplatin is considered to be a standard therapy for NSCLC in Europe and SWOG. In breast cancer, the combination chemotherapy of Navelbine with anthracyclines, 5-FU, and other agents has been reported to be effective. The main adverse reactions caused by Navelbine are leukopenia and neutropenia. It causes less nerve neuropathy than vindesine. As Navelbine is a central therapeutic drug in combination therapy for NSCLC, more effective combination therapy with it are expected to be developed.