A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of liposomal vinorelbine in patients with advanced solid tumor

Purpose This phase I study was performed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of an untargeted liposomal formulation of vinorelbine (NanoVNBA (R)) and to characterize its plasma pharmacokinetics in patients with advanced solid tumors which were refractory to conventional treatment or without an effective treatment. Patients & methods The study incorporated an accelerated titration design. Twenty-two patients with various solid tumors were enrolled. NanoVNB(A (R)) was administered intravenously at doses of 2.2-23 mg/m(2) once every 14 days. Pharmacokinetic endpoints were evaluated in the first cycle. The safety profiles and anti-tumor effects of NanoVNBA (R) were also determined. Results Skin rash was the DLT and the most common non-hematological toxicity. The MTD was 18.5 mg/m(2). Drug-related grade 3-4 hematological toxicities were infrequent. Compared with intravenous free vinorelbine, NanoVNBA (R) showed a high C(max) and low plasma clearance. Of the 11 patients completing at least 1 post-treatment tumor assessment, 5 had stable disease. No responders were noted. Conclusion NanoVNBA (R) was well tolerated and exhibited more favorable pharmacokinetic profiles than free vinorelbine. Based on dose-limiting skin toxicity, further evaluation of NanoVNBA (R) starting from 18.5 mg/m(2) as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents for vinorelbine-active malignancies is warranted.