Continuous venous infusion of vindesine in metastatic breast cancer: experience with a subcutaneously implanted system and portable pump

Anticancer Res. 1989 Jan-Feb;9(1):141-3.

Abstract

Fourteen patients with advanced pretreated breast cancer were treated with vindesine in continuous venous infusion (1.5 mg/sm/24 hours for 72 hours every 3 weeks). A totally implanted venous access and a portable pump were used. A total of 33 courses was administered. No objective response was observed and treatment was stopped. Drug-related toxicity consisted mainly of alopecia (64% of patients), nausea and vomiting (29%) and mucositis (29%). Catheter - related toxicity was observed in 6 patients (43%) and consisted of infection of the skin pocket in 4 patients and dislodging of the needle and catheter break in one patient. The feasibility of continuous venous infusion of vesicant drugs in outpatients is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusion Pumps
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Vindesine / administration & dosage*
  • Vindesine / adverse effects

Substances

  • Vindesine