Vindesine as a single agent in the treatment of advanced malignant melanoma.

The antitumour effect of vindesine (desacetyl vinvlastine amide sulfate) in disseminated malignant melanoma has been investigated in our oncology service in a phase-II study. Of 25 patients exposed to the drug, 23 were evaluable, and seven of these (30%) were considered objective responders. The observed response of malignant effusions is of particular interest. Side effects related to vindesine are similar to those of the other vinca alkaloids, although alopecia may be more pronounced with the doses used in this study.