Interferon alpha 2a and vindesine in the treatment of advanced malignant melanoma

21 patients with advanced malignant melanoma were treated with interferon alpha 2a at 9MU daily with vindesine every 21 days. No patient had received previous chemotherapy. The overall response rate was 24% with a median survival time of 33 months in 18 patients. The four complete remissions were maintained for 20, 18, 15 and 11 months, while the single partial remission continues at 18 months after the start of treatment. Side-effects were generally mild or moderate and did not lead to cessation of therapy. This combination provides an active outpatient regimen for advanced melanoma and produces durable remissions.