Clinical Observation of Pemetrexed as the Second-line Treatment for Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of pemetrexed as the second-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods Confirmed by pathology or cytology,23 patients with advanced or progressive NSCLC after the first line chemotherapy treatment were detected.All patients were given pemetrexed 500 mg.m-2 on the first day,21 days as a cycle.The efficacy and adverse reactions of chemotherapy after 2 cycles were evaluated.Results There was no case with complete response.4 cases had partial response,13 had stable disease and 6 progressive disease.The overall response rate was 17.4%.The clinical benefit rate was 73.9%,median survival time(MST)was 8.3 months.The common adverse effects were leucopenia and gastrointestinal response.Conclusion Pemetrexed is effective and feasible as the second-line treatment for advanced NSCLC