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Vinorelbine
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Vinorelbine, also known by the brand name Navelbine, is a chemotherapy drug that has been tested as a second-line treatment for mesothelioma, both as a single agent and in combination with other drugs such as cisplatin or gemcitabine.
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Written by: Karen Selby, RN | Medically Reviewed By Dr. Jeffrey Velotta | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: January 15, 2025
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What is Vinorelbine?
Vinorelbine belongs to a family of chemotherapy drugs known as vinca alkaloids. They were first created from extracts of the periwinkle plant. Researchers discovered the antitumor effects of this drug in 1959.
Vinorelbine is classified as an antineoplastic agent. It binds to microtubular proteins in cells. Microtubules aid cell reproduction. Vinorelbine prevents cancer cells from reproducing and leads to their self-destruction.
Vinorelbine Information
- Other Names: Navelbine, vinorelbine tartrate
- Manufactured by: Pierre Fabre
- FDA-approved: Yes (to treat non-small cell lung cancer)
- Used or Tested in: Breast cancer, cervical cancer, esophageal cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer
Doctors administer vinorelbine in cycles of six weekly intravenous (IV) injections. This varies based on the patient’s health factors and whether vinorelbine is combined with another chemotherapy drug.
Vinorelbine in Mesothelioma Treatment
Vinorelbine regimens are not as effective as pemetrexed and cisplatin treatment for mesothelioma. Vinorelbine has shown some effectiveness and has relatively low toxicity. Doctors have continued to explore its value as a palliative or second-line therapy.
- Palliative Therapy: It relieves symptoms and improves quality of life for those who cannot tolerate other cancer therapies.
- Second-Line Therapy: Doctors may use vinorelbine to treat cancer reoccurrence after standard chemotherapy.
A 2017 study reviewed second-line chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma. International guidelines include vinorelbine as a suggested drug. Yet the research evidence supporting its use is inconclusive.
The Wales Cancer Trials Unit is studying the effectiveness of vinorelbine as a second-line treatment. The researchers also aim to determine whether the BRCA1 gene is required for vinorelbine to cause cancer-cell death.
A 2021 study discovered that vinorelbine is less effective in people with a BRCA1/MAD2L1 genetic deficiency.
Side Effects of Vinorelbine
Common side effects include:
- Low red blood cell counts
- Low white blood cell counts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Mouth sores
Rare side effects include:
- Pain at the injection site
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Bruising and bleeding problems
- Blood in urine
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Blood pressure changes
This Page Contains 10 Cited Articles
The sources on all content featured in The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com include medical and scientific studies, peer-reviewed studies and other research documents from reputable organizations.
- Busacca, S. et al. (2021, February). BRCA1/MAD2L1 Deficiency Disrupts the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint to Confer Vinorelbine Resistance in Mesothelioma. Retrieved from https://mct.aacrjournals.org/content/20/2/379.abstract
- DrugBank. (2017, November 13). Vinorelbine. Retrieved from https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00361
- Addeo, A., Buffoni, L., and Di Maio, M. (2017, September). Is There Room for Second-Line Treatment of Pleural Malignant Mesothelioma? Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2598493
- ClinicalTrials.gov. (2017, April 11). Vinorelbine in Mesothelioma (VIM). Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02139904
- Cancer Research UK. (2015, July 24). Vinorelbine (Navelbine). Retrieved from http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/cancer-drugs/drugs/vinorelbine
- Zauderer, M. et al. (2014, June). Vinorelbine and gemcitabine as second- or third-line therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24690410
- Zucali, P. et al. (2014, June). Vinorelbine in pemetrexed-pretreated patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169500213005229
- Stebbing, J. et al. (2009, January). The efficacy and safety of weekly vinorelbine in relapsed malignant pleural mesothelioma. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18486273
- Steele, J. et al. (2000, December). Phase II Study of Vinorelbine in Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Retrieved from https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/jco.2000.18.23.3912
- Chemocare.com. (n.d.). Vinorelbine. Retrieved from http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/Vinorelbine.aspx
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January 15, 2025Written ByKaren Selby, RNEdited ByWalter PachecoMedically Reviewed ByJeffrey Velotta
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