Continuous intravenous bleomycin (NSC-125066) therapy with vinblastine (NSC-49842) in stage III testicular neoplasia

Abstract

Twenty-three patients with stage III germinal neoplasia of the testis were treated with a variation of our original vinblastine-bleomycin program. This modification consisted of 0.4 mg/kg of vinblastine given in two fractions on Days 1 and 2 followed by continuous intravenous administration of 30 units of bleomycin in 1000 cc of 5% glucose and distilled water over a 24-hour period for 5 successive days beginning on Day 2. Therapy was repeated every 28-35 days as toxicity permitted. There were 17 responses, nine of which were complete (39%). Eight of the complete responses were in patients with massive disease in whom a low complete response rate was expected. Toxic effects consisted of severe leukopenia in 90% thrombopenia in 50%, and unexplained transient hyperbilirubinemia in about 30% of the patients. Bleomycin pneumonitis occurred in one patient and resulted in death. Hypertension was a new and unexpected side reaction experienced by four patients. Further trials are indicated since the complete response rate in patients with advanced massive disease appears to be improved.