The incidence of many cancers is increasing; coupled with a decline in mortality rates (Cancer Research UK 2017a) this translates to more people living with and beyond their cancer diagnosis. Cancer is generally viewed as a chronic condition and this is often true for many diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In advanced/metastatic disease, there is a greater emphasis on promoting patients’ quality of life, and oral treatments can have additional benefits for patients, such as ease of administration, potentially reduced toxicities and fewer hospital visits. Oral vinorelbine was licenced in 2006 for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and MBC. This paper provides a narrative review of evidence from clinical trials, outlining the development and clinical application of oral vinorelbine, including implications for clinical practice and patient care.