[Intravenous vinorelbine as first line chemotherapy in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer].

BACKGROUND: Docetaxel-based chemotherapy remains the treatment of choice in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Generally, elderly patients poorly tolerate these drugs. Vinorelbine has a favolable toxicity profile and may be useful in elderly or unfit patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vinorelbine in patients with CRPC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the medical records of patients with CRPC treated in our institution with intravenous vinorelbine as first line chemotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were assessable for efficacy. The median age was 73 years (range, 51-87 years); 9 out of 25 patients (36%) had a > 50% reduction in PSA levels from baseline. Mean progression-free survival was 7.2 months. Mean overall survival was 20.7 months. Mean overall survival for 11 patients treated with second-line taxane-based chemotherapy was 27.5 months compared to 16.8 months for patients who did not receive second-line chemotherapy. Treatment was generally well tolerated. CONCLUSION: On the basis of this small retrospective survey, we conclude that intravenous vinorelbine seems to be a therapeutic option in elderly or unfit patients with CRPC.