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Breast metastatic vinORELBine (IV)

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Cycle 1 and further cycles

Drug Dose Route Day
vinORELBine 30 mg/m2 IV infusion 1 and 8
Frequency:
21 days 
Cycles:
Continuous until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Drug status:

Vinorelbine is on the PBS general schedule opens in a new tab or window

Cost:
~ $230 per cycle "How this cost is calculated"

The cost displayed on the protocol is intended as rudimentary guide only for the Australian context.

The cost includes anti-cancer drugs only (not antiemetics, supportive medications or consumables), unless otherwise indicated.

Drug unit costs are taken directly from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website (www.pbs.gov.au). These costs are reviewed and updated on eviQ at 6 monthly intervals. Anti-cancer drugs that are not included on the PBS do not have a cost included in eviQ protocols.

Where there are differing unit costs based on vial sizes and tablet strengths, the mean unit cost is used. The cost of oral continuous therapy is based on a 28 day month.

Where oral drugs are available on the PBS for both 30- and 60-day prescriptions, the unit cost for the 30-day supply is used.

The protocol cost is derived from drug dose calculations based upon a default body surface area (BSA) of 1.8 m2; weight of 75 kg; and creatinine clearance of 75 mL/min.

One off loading doses and ongoing maintenance doses are not included in protocol cost calculations.

The cost displayed is the actual drug cost and does not necessarily reflect the cost incurred by the patient as many anti-cancer drugs are reimbursed on the PBS.

The supportive therapies (e.g. antiemetics, premedications, growth factor support etc.), infusion times, diluents, volumes and routes of administration, if included, are listed as defaults. They may vary between institutions and can be substituted to reflect individual institutional policy.

Antiemetics if included in the treatment schedule are based upon recommendations from national and international guidelines. These are defaults only and may be substituted to reflect individual institutional policy. Select here for recommended doses of alternative antiemetics.

Cycle 1 and further cycles

Day 1 and 8
vinORELBine 30 mg/m2 (IV infusion) in 50 mL sodium chloride 0.9% over 6 to 10 minutes
Frequency:
21 days 
Cycles:
Continuous until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Cycle 1 and further cycles

Drug Dose Route Day
vinORELBine 30 mg/m2 IV infusion 1 and 8
Frequency:
21 days 
Cycles:
Continuous until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Drug status:

Vinorelbine is on the PBS general schedule opens in a new tab or window

Cost:
~ $230 per cycle "How this cost is calculated"

The cost displayed on the protocol is intended as rudimentary guide only for the Australian context.

The cost includes anti-cancer drugs only (not antiemetics, supportive medications or consumables), unless otherwise indicated.

Drug unit costs are taken directly from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website (www.pbs.gov.au). These costs are reviewed and updated on eviQ at 6 monthly intervals. Anti-cancer drugs that are not included on the PBS do not have a cost included in eviQ protocols.

Where there are differing unit costs based on vial sizes and tablet strengths, the mean unit cost is used. The cost of oral continuous therapy is based on a 28 day month.

Where oral drugs are available on the PBS for both 30- and 60-day prescriptions, the unit cost for the 30-day supply is used.

The protocol cost is derived from drug dose calculations based upon a default body surface area (BSA) of 1.8 m2; weight of 75 kg; and creatinine clearance of 75 mL/min.

One off loading doses and ongoing maintenance doses are not included in protocol cost calculations.

The cost displayed is the actual drug cost and does not necessarily reflect the cost incurred by the patient as many anti-cancer drugs are reimbursed on the PBS.

The supportive therapies (e.g. antiemetics, premedications, growth factor support etc.), infusion times, diluents, volumes and routes of administration, if included, are listed as defaults. They may vary between institutions and can be substituted to reflect individual institutional policy.

Antiemetics if included in the treatment schedule are based upon recommendations from national and international guidelines. These are defaults only and may be substituted to reflect individual institutional policy. Select here for recommended doses of alternative antiemetics.

Cycle 1 and further cycles

Day 1 and 8
vinORELBine 30 mg/m2 (IV infusion) in 50 mL sodium chloride 0.9% over 6 to 10 minutes
Frequency:
21 days 
Cycles:
Continuous until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
  • Advanced breast cancer after failure of prior therapy which included anthracyclines and taxanes
Venous access required

IV cannula (IVC) or central venous access device (CVAD) is required to administer this treatment.

Read more about central venous access device line selection
Emetogenicity MINIMAL

No antiemetics should be routinely administered before treatment in patients without a history of nausea and vomiting. If patients experience nausea and/or vomiting, consider using the low antiemetic prophylaxis regimen.

Read more about preventing anti-cancer therapy induced nausea and vomiting
Constipation

Prescribe prophylactic laxatives to prevent constipation related to the use of vinca alkaloids.
Peripheral neuropathy

Assess prior to each treatment. Based on clinical findings, temporary omission, dose reduction or cessation of the vinca alkaloid may be indicated; review by medical officer before commencing treatment.

Read more about peripheral neuropathy

Link to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy screening tool
Pulmonary toxicity

There have been infrequent reports (less than 5% of patients) of pulmonary toxicity associated with vinorelbine.

Read more about pulmonary toxicity associated with anti-cancer drugs.
Blood tests

FBC, EUC, eGFR and LFTs at baseline and prior to each treatment.
Hepatitis B screening and prophylaxis

Routine screening for HBsAg and anti-HBc is NOT usually recommended for patients receiving this treatment.

Read more about hepatitis B screening and prophylaxis in cancer patients requiring cytotoxic and/or immunosuppressive therapy
Vaccinations

Live vaccines are contraindicated in cancer patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy and/or who have poorly controlled malignant disease. Possible suboptimal response to inactivated vaccines.

For more information about vaccinations in people with cancer refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook opens in a new tab or window.
Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Cancer treatment can have harmful effects on fertility and this should be discussed with all patients of reproductive potential prior to commencing treatment. There is a risk of fetal harm in pregnant women. A pregnancy test should be considered prior to initiating treatment in females of reproductive potential if sexually active. It is important that all patients of reproductive potential use effective contraception whilst on therapy and after treatment finishes. Effective contraception methods and adequate contraception timeframe should be discussed with all patients of reproductive potential. Possibility of infant risk should be discussed with breastfeeding patients.

Read more about the impact of cancer treatment on fertility opens in a new tab or window
Evidence for dose modifications is limited, and the recommendations made on eviQ are intended as a guide only. They are generally conservative with an emphasis on safety. Any dose modification should be based on clinical judgement, and the individual patient’s situation including but not limited to treatment intent (curative vs palliative), the anti-cancer regimen (single versus combination therapy versus chemotherapy versus immunotherapy), biology of the cancer (site, size, mutations, metastases), other treatment related side effects, additional co-morbidities, performance status and patient preferences.Suggested dose modifications are based on clinical trial findings, product information, published guidelines and reference committee consensus . The dose reduction applies to each individual dose and not to the total number of days or duration of treatment cycle unless stated otherwise. Non-haematological gradings are based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) opens in a new tab or window unless otherwise specified. Renal and hepatic dose modifications have been standardised where possible. For more information see dosing considerations & disclaimer.

Note: All dose reductions are calculated as a percentage of the starting dose.

Haematological toxicity
ANC x 109/L (pre-treatment blood test)
1.0 to less than 1.5 Refer to local institutional guidelines; it is the view of the expert clinicians that treatment should continue if patient is clinically well
0.5 to less than 1.0 Delay treatment until recovery
less than 0.5 Delay treatment until recovery and reduce vinorelbine by 25% for subsequent cycles
Febrile neutropenia or previous delay for myelosuppression Delay treatment until recovery and reduce vinorelbine by 25% for subsequent cycles
Prolonged recovery greater than two weeks delay or 3rd delay for myelosuppression Delay treatment until recovery and reduce vinorelbine by 50% for subsequent cycles or cease
Platelets x 109/L (pre-treatment blood test)
75 to less than 100 The general recommendation is to delay, however if the patient is clinically well it may be appropriate to continue treatment; refer to treating team and/or local institutional guidelines
50 to less than 75 Delay treatment until recovery
less than 50 Delay treatment until recovery and reduce vinorelbine by 25% for subsequent cycles

If treatment cannot be delivered on Day 8, then that treatment should be omitted rather than delayed. Treatment for the next cycle should proceed on the date originally scheduled and should incorporate dose modifications as appropriate.
Kidney dosing recommendations 
  • Suggested dose modifications are based on the International Consensus Guideline on Anticancer Drug Dosing in Kidney Dysfunction (ADDIKD).
  • Where one or more drugs in a protocol is recommended to be avoided, consider using a clinically appropriate alternative treatment protocol instead.
  • Before dose adjusting or omitting a drug, consider treatment intent.
  • In kidney replacement therapy consult a multidisciplinary team consisting of oncology/haematology with nephrology and/or clinical pharmacology for the management of dosing. 
  • For complete information on individual drug recommendations please review the individual drug monograph in the ADDIKD guideline.
eGFR
(mL/min/1.73m2)		 Vinorelbine
≥ 60

Full dose
45 - 59

Full dose
30 - 44

Full dose
15 - 29

Full dose
< 15
(without kidney replacement therapy)		 Full dose
Hepatic impairment
Hepatic dysfunction
Mild Reduce vinorelbine by 25%
Moderate Reduce vinorelbine by 50%
Severe Omit vinorelbine
Peripheral neuropathy
Grade 2 which is present at the start of the next cycle Reduce vinorelbine by 25%;
If persistent, reduce vinorelbine by 50%
Grade 3 or Grade 4 Omit vinorelbine

The drug interactions shown below are not an exhaustive list. For a more comprehensive list and for detailed information on specific drug interactions and clinical management, please refer to the specific drug product information and the following key resources: 

For more information see References & Disclaimer.

Vinorelbine
  Interaction Clinical management
CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors (e.g. amiodarone, aprepitant, azole-antifungals, ritonavir, lapatinib, nilotinib, sorafenib, macrolides, ciclosporin, grapefruit juice etc.) Increased toxicity of vinorelbine possible due to reduced clearance Monitor for vinorelbine toxicity (esp. neurotoxicity, myelosuppression)
CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, rifampicin, St John's wort etc.) Reduced efficacy of vinorelbine possible due to increased clearance Monitor for decreased clinical response to vinorelbine
Mitomycin Increased risk of pulmonary toxicity when vinorelbine administered following or concomitantly with mitomycin Avoid combination or monitor closely for pulmonary toxicity (i.e. interstitial infiltrates, pleural effusion resulting in respiratory distress and cough)
General
  Interaction Clinical management
Warfarin Anti-cancer drugs may alter the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Monitor INR regularly and adjust warfarin dosage as appropriate; consider alternative anticoagulant.
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) e.g. apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran

Interaction with both CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors /inducers.

DOAC and anti-cancer drug levels may both be altered, possibly leading to loss of efficacy or toxicity (i.e. increased bleeding).

Apixaban: avoid concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 opens in a new tab or window and P‑gp opens in a new tab or window inhibitors. If treating VTE, avoid use with strong CYP3A4 opens in a new tab or window and P‑gp opens in a new tab or window inducers. 

Rivaroxaban: avoid concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 opens in a new tab or window and P‑gp opens in a new tab or window  inhibitors.

Dabigatran: avoid combination with strong P‑gp opens in a new tab or window inducers and inhibitors.

If concurrent use is unavoidable, monitor closely for efficacy/toxicity of both drugs.
Digoxin Anti-cancer drugs can damage the lining of the intestine; affecting the absorption of digoxin. Monitor digoxin serum levels; adjust digoxin dosage as appropriate.
Antiepileptics Both altered antiepileptic and anti-cancer drug levels may occur, possibly leading to loss of efficacy or toxicity. Where concurrent use of an enzyme-inducing antiepileptic cannot be avoided, monitor antiepileptic serum levels for toxicity, as well as seizure frequency for efficacy; adjust dosage as appropriate.
Also monitor closely for efficacy of the anti-cancer therapy.
Antiplatelet agents and NSAIDs Increased risk of bleeding due to treatment related thrombocytopenia. Avoid or minimise combination.
If combination deemed essential, (e.g. low dose aspirin for ischaemic heart disease) monitor for signs of bleeding.
Serotonergic drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs e.g. paroxetine) and serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs e.g. venlafaxine) Increased risk of serotonin syndrome with concurrent use of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (e.g. palonosetron, ondansetron, granisetron, tropisetron, dolasetron, etc.) Avoid combination.
If combination is clinically warranted, monitor for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome (e.g. confusion, agitation, tachycardia, hyperreflexia).
For more information link to TGA Medicines Safety Update opens in a new tab or window

eviQ provides safe and effective instructions on how to administer cancer treatments. However, eviQ does not provide every treatment delivery option, and is unable to provide a comprehensive list of cancer treatment agents and their required IV line giving set/filter or address chemical compatibilities related to IV drug preparation and administration. There may be alternative methods of treatment administration, and alternative supportive treatments that are also appropriate. Please refer to the individual product information monographs via the TGA opens in a new tab or window and Australian Injectable Drugs Handbook opens in a new tab or window websites for further information.

eviQ is currently updating the way information is presented in the administration section, if you notice any discrepancies please let us know, via feedback@eviq.org.au.

Day 1 and 8

Approximate treatment time: 30 minutes

Any toxicity grade 2 or greater may require dose reduction, delay or omission of treatment and review by medical officer before commencing treatment.

Anti-cancer drug patient assessment tool prior to each day of treatment.

Anti-cancer drug induced neuropathy screening tool prior to each treatment.

Prime IV line(s).

Insert IV cannula or access TIVAD or CVAD.

Vinorelbine

Extravasation of a vesicant is a medical emergency. Monitor for signs of extravasation throughout administration.

Administer vinorelbine (vesicant):
  • over 6 to 10 minutes via a minibag
  • flush with ~ 250 mL of sodium chloride 0.9%.

Remove IV cannula and/or deaccess TIVAD or CVAD. 

Continue safe handling precautions until 7 days after completion of drug(s).

Discharge information

Laxatives - ensure patient has prophylactic laxatives.

Patient information

Ensure patient receives protocol patient information sheet.

The side effects listed below are not a complete list of all possible side effects for this treatment. Side effects are categorised into the approximate onset of presentation and should only be used as a guide.

Immediate (onset hours to days)
Extravasation, tissue or vein injury

The unintentional instillation or leakage of a drug or substance out of a blood vessel into surrounding tissue. This has the potential to cause damage to affected tissue.

Read more about extravasation management
Nausea and vomiting

Read more about prevention of treatment induced nausea and vomiting

Early (onset days to weeks)
Neutropenia

Abnormally low levels of neutrophils in the blood. This increases the risk of infection. Any fever or suspicion of infection should be investigated immediately and managed aggressively. 

Read more about immediate management of neutropenic fever
Oral mucositis

Erythematous and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). It commonly develops following anti-cancer treatment, radiation therapy to the head, neck or oesophagus, and high-dose chemotherapy followed by a blood and marrow transplant (BMT).

Read more about oral mucositis and stomatitis
Constipation
Arthralgia and myalgia

Generalised joint pain or and/or stiffness and muscle aches, often worse upon waking or after long periods of inactivity. Can improve with movement. May be mild or severe, intermittent or constant and accompanied by inflammation. 

Read more about arthralgia and myalgia
Fatigue

Read more about fatigue
Peripheral neuropathy

Typically symmetrical sensory neuropathy, affecting the fingers and toes, sometimes progressing to the hands and feet.  It is associated with several classes of anti-cancer drugs. These include taxanes, platinum-based compounds, vinca alkaloids and some drugs used to treat multiple myeloma.

Read more about peripheral neuropathy

Late (onset weeks to months)
Anaemia

Abnormally low levels of red blood cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin in the blood. 

Read more about anaemia
Alopecia - partial

Hair thinning and/or patchy hair loss. Patients can also experience mild to moderate discomfort of the hair follicles, and rarely pain as the hair is falling out.

Read more about alopecia and scalp cooling
Pulmonary toxicity

Pulmonary toxicity may include damage to the lungs, airways, pleura and pulmonary circulation. 

Read more about pulmonary toxicity associated with anti-cancer drugs

A phase II open-label, non-randomised, multicentre study was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of single agent vinorelbine as first- and second- line therapy in advanced breast cancer (ABC).

A total of 107 patients were enrolled and were stratified into first- and second-line treatment groups. Vinorelbine was initiated at 30 mg/m2 per week and continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.r

Efficacy

The objective response rate for all patients was 34% (35% for first-line and 32% for second-line patients).

The median duration of objective response was 34 weeks in both groups and the overall survival in first- and second- line patients were 67 weeks and 62 weeks respectively.

Summary of efficacy r

© Journal of Clinical Oncology 1995

Kaplan-Meier estimates of time to disease progression r

© Journal of Clinical Oncology 1995

Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival r

© J Clin Oncol 1995

Toxicity

Granulocytopenia was the predominant dose-limiting toxicity with 2 patients who died as a result of granulocytopenic sepsis.r

Summary of haematological toxicities and non-haematological toxicitiesr

                                             

© Journal of Clinical Oncology 1995

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Version 7

Date Summary of changes
31/01/2024

Protocol assessed by eviQ medical oncology reference committee and deemed suitable to be reviewed as required. Flag added, review date removed and version number increased to V.7. Read more about as required review protocol status in this factsheet.

Version 6

Date Summary of changes
19/07/2023

Protocol updated with ADDIKD guideline recommendations. New kidney dosing recommendation table added to dose modification section.

PDF of previous protocol.

Version number changed to V.6.

Version 5

Date Summary of changes
17/08/2007 Updated patient information.
26/06/2008 Rewording of administration of vesicants to the standardised format.
29/06/2010 Haematological dose modifications updated ( 20% changed to 25% dose reduction).
26/10/2010 Dose modifications updated: "consider reducing" changed to " reduce".
12/1/2011 New format to allow for export of protocol information.
Protocol version number changed to V.2.
Antiemetics and premedications added to the treatment schedule.
Additional Clinical Information, Key Prescribing table and Key Administration table combined into new section titled Clinical Considerations.
Drug specific information placed behind the drug name link.
27/04/2012 Protocol reviewed at Medical Oncology Reference Committee meeting. No changes and next review in 2 years.
09/05/2014 Protocol reviewed by email survey. No change and next review in 2 years. PHC view removed.
18/02/2016 Discussion with Medical Oncology Reference Committee Chairs and protocol to be reviewed every 5 years. Next review due in 3 years.
19/09/2016 In treatment schedule: updated/added volume to vinorelbine (50 mL sodium chloride 0.9%) and changed infusion time from 5-10 mins to 6-10 mins as per literature.
31/05/2017

Transferred to new eviQ website. Version number change to V.4.

Hepatitis B screening changed to NOT recommended.
10/05/2018 Haematological dose modifications updated as per consensus of the expert clinician group. Version number changed to V.5.
23/09/2019 Protocol reviewed at Medical Oncology Reference Committee meeting on 30/08/2019. No changes. Next review in 5 years.

The information contained in this protocol is based on the highest level of available evidence and consensus of the eviQ reference committee regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to treatment. Any clinician (medical oncologist, haematologist, radiation oncologist, medical physicist, radiation therapist, pharmacist or nurse) seeking to apply or consult this protocol is expected to use independent clinical judgement in the context of individual clinical circumstances to determine any patient's care or treatment. While eviQ endeavours to link to reliable sources that provide accurate information, eviQ and the Cancer Institute NSW do not endorse or accept responsibility for the accuracy, currency, reliability or correctness of the content of linked external information sources. Use is subject to eviQ’s disclaimer available at www.eviQ.org.au

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Review due:
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The currency of this information is guaranteed only up until the date of printing, for any updates please check:

https://www.eviq.org.au/p/38

21 May 2025