Temozolomide and Vinorelbine in Treating Patients With Recurrent Brain Metastases

OBJECTIVES: * Determine the maximum tolerated dose of vinorelbine when administered in combination with temozolomide in patients with recurrent brain metastases (phase I accrual completed). * Determine the safety and feasibility of this treatment regimen in these patients. * Determine the efficacy of this treatment regimen, in terms of objective radiographic response and overall and progression-free survival, in these patients. OUTLINE: This is a dose-escalation study of vinorelbine. Patients receive vinorelbine IV over 5-10 minutes on days 1 and 8 and oral temozolomide once daily on days 1-7 and 15-21. Courses repeat every 28 days for up to 1 year in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Cohorts of 3-6 patients receive escalating doses of vinorelbine until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is determined. The MTD is defined as the dose preceding that at which 2 of 3 or 6 patients experience dose-limiting toxicity. Once the MTD is determined, an additional 20-35 patients will be treated at that dose level. Patients are followed every 3-4 months. PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A minimum of 3 patients will be accrued for the phase I portion of this study and 20-35 patients will be accrued for the phase II portion of this study within 2 years.