Pemetrexed in Third and Fourth Line Chemotherapy for Non Squamous Non Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Lung cancer is responsible for the highest mortality caused by malignant solid tumors. Chemotherapy remains one of the most important modality of treatment. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the records of 42 patients’ treatment with pemetrexed, used in second, third and fourth line chemotherapy for advanced non-squamous non-small cell cancer (NSCLC). Kaplan Meier curve was used for calculation of overall survival. Results: The median overall survival in the second-line was 10 months and in third- and fourth-line was 6.5 months. Discussion: We discuss the similar study with pemetrexed in mono-chemotherapy or combination, study with similar results. Also we make a reference to the new therapy with best results but with much higher cost and effective only for a part of patients. Conclusions: This result and other results presented in similar studies encourage us to recommend pemetrexed in the third and fourth line chemotherapy for well-selected patients.