Clinical effi ciency of pemetrexed in the treatment of advanced retreated non-small cell lung cancer / 中国癌症杂志

ABSTRACT

Background and purpose:Pemetrexed is a multitargeted anti-metabolite. Pemetrexed has been approved as the second-line treatment in non-small cell lung cancer. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical effi ciency and toxicity of pemetrexed in treatment of advanced retreated non-small cell lung cancer. Methods:17 advanced retreated NSCLC patients received pemetrexed at a dose of 500 mg/m2, the chemotherapy was repeated every 21 days on two cycles until progressive disease or untolerant adverse effects. Results:Among 17 patients, the overall response rate was 11.8%, the clinical benefi t rate was 76.5%, and the main toxicity was hematological toxicties. Conclusions: Pemetrexed is effective in treatment of advanced retreated non-small lung cancer and the toxicity can be well tolerated.