Vinblastine, Cyclophosphamide and 5-Fluorouracil (VEF) Combination Chemotherapy for Metastatic Hypernephroma

Abstract

10 evaluable patients with metastatic hypernephroma received vinblastine (6 mg/m², i.v., on days 1 and 8), cyclophosphamide (100 mg/m², p.o., on days 1–14), and 5-fluorouracil (600 mg/m², i.v., on days 1 and 8), cycled every 29 days. 7 of the patients also received dexamethasone (16 mg/day, p.o.), shortly before or during chemotherapy, in an attempt to improve their clinical status. No complete or partial responses were seen. 5 patients (50%) remained stable (median duration, 4.5 months; median survival, 6.5 months), and the remaining 5 patients progressed. A subjective response was observed in all stable patients, who also received dexamethasone. The side-effects of VEF chemotherapy were mild: 2/10 patients developed leukopenia (WBC below 3,000), 3/10 patients manifested thrombocytopenia (platelets below 100,000), and 3/10 patients alopecia.