RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The Need for Third-line Treatment in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: An Overview of New Options
JF Anticancer Research
JO Anticancer Res
FD International Institute of Anticancer Research
SP 649
OP 659
VO 31
IS 2
A1 KOSTAS N. SYRIGOS
A1 MUHAMMAD W. SAIF
A1 ELENI M. KARAPANAGIOTOU
A1 GEORGE OIKONOMOPOULOS
A1 FILIPPO DE MARINIS
YR 2011
UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/31/2/649.abstract
AB As a result of improved effectiveness of first-, second-line and maintenance therapeutic regimens in non-small cell lung cancer, there is need for new options as third-line treatment. Erlotinib and gefitinib are currently the only drugs of proven efficacy in the third-line setting. Chemotherapy drugs, such as pemetrexed, are being investigated, as are many new agents, such as cetuximab, sunitinib, sorafenib, everolimus, enzastaurin, afilbercept. These novel targeted therapies seem to improve response rates and progression-free survival and their toxicity is tolerable. In an effort to prolong survival while maintaining quality of life, large prospective studies are needed to examine the effectiveness and safety of third-line regimens in these patients.