Unexpected low efficacy of stealth liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx) and vinorelbine in metastatic breast cancer.

In this phase II study, 23 patients with metastatic breast cancer were treated with a combination of Caelyx (40 mg/m2 on day 1) and vinorelbine (20 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8) every 4 weeks. According to the statistical design, enrollment was closed after the first stage due to the low response rate observed (four partial remissions, 12 stabilizations). Toxicity was acceptable, however, grade 3-4 neutropenia was not negligible. Our study does not support the development of this combination in advanced breast cancer.