Maintenance chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Recent trials have shown a benefit with maintenance therapy after 4 to 6 cycles of chemotherapy. These trials have shown improvement in progression-free survival using agents approved as second-line therapy in non-small cell lung cancer. Trials using erlotinib and pemetrexed showed improvement in overall survival. Consideration of trial design is critical for the interpretation of these results. Data on quality of life and cost have not been presented, but will ultimately be important in evaluating the usefulness of these approaches. © Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.