Breast cancer - vinorelbine

Summary

NICE has made the following recommendations about the use of vinorelbine to treat advanced breast cancer. 

• Vinorelbine by itself should not be used as the first treatment for advanced breast cancer. 
• Vinorelbine on its own should be one option for treating advanced breast cancer when initial treatment with chemotherapy using drugs called anthracyclines has not worked or is unsuitable for the patient. The patient and the doctor who is responsible for the cancer treatment should choose the follow-up treatment together, after they have discussed the benefits and possible side effects of the drugs available. 
• NICE has looked at the evidence that is available and decided that at the moment it can’t recommend routine use of vinorelbine together with other chemotherapy drugs (combination therapy).

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• TA54 Breast cancer - vinorelbine: Summary
• TA54 Breast cancer - vinorelbine: Guidance

For patients, carers and the public

• TA54 Breast cancer - vinorelbine: Information for the public

Background information

• Review decision
• Review proposal
• Assessment Report: A rapid and systematic review of the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Vinorelbine for breast cancer
• 2002/066 NICE issues guidance on vinorelbine for advanced breast cancer
• Media Briefing - Technology Appraisal No 54: Technology appraisal guidance on vinorelbine

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• None found