title: Second-line therapeutic options in non-small-cell lung cancer.
abstract: Gradual but positive progress is being made in the field of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, including the implementation of more effective strategies for the use of second-line therapy. Clinical consideration of the available options for previously treated patients is a relatively recent concept, the application of which looked doubtful even a decade ago due to the poor prognosis of NSCLC patients receiving first-line chemotherapy. However, the 21st century has witnessed improved rates of response, median survival and 1 year survival following second-line treatment of NCSLC, and the therapeutic armamentarium continues to grow in this setting. Therefore, current challenges include the identification of the most appropriate second-line regimen and determination of the best way to position this within a logical, evidence-based treatment sequence.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Oncology Unit, Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven Lung Cancer Group, Leuven, Belgium. Johan.Vansteenkiste@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vansteenkiste
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D005971:Glutamates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006147:Guanine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068437:Pemetrexed; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D005971:Glutamates; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines; D000068437:Pemetrexed; D006147:Guanine; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride