Observation of pemetrexed single as the 2nd line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and adverse of pemetrexed single as the 2nd line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods Confirmed with pathology or cytology,twenty-seven patients were advanced or progressive NSCLC patients after the first line chemotherapytreatment.All patients were given pemetrexed 500 mg·m-2 on the first day,21 days as one cycle;The chemotherapy efficacy and adverse reactions over 2 cycles were evaluated.Results There was no case with complete response.1 case had partial response,16 had stable disease and 10 progressive disease.The disease control rate was 62.9%(17/27).The median time to progress(TTP) was 2.9 months.The common adverse effects were leucopenia and gastrointestinal response.Conclusion Pemetrexed is effective and feasible as the 2nd line treatment for advanced NSCLC.