Second-line or subsequent systemic therapy for recurrent or progressive non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and practice guideline.
OBJECTIVE
This clinical practice guideline, based on a systematic review, evaluates second-line or subsequent therapy for patients with recurrent or progressive non-small cell lung cancer.


METHODS
Relevant randomized trials and meta-analyses were identified through a systematic search of the literature. External feedback was obtained from practitioners in Ontario, and the guideline was approved by the provincial Lung Cancer Disease Site Group.


RESULTS
Twenty-four randomized trials met the eligibility criteria. Two phase III trials demonstrated a significant benefit in overall survival and quality of life (QOL) for single-agent docetaxel. A pooled analysis comparing docetaxel administered weekly versus three-weekly found similar survival between the schedules and a non-significant reduction in febrile neutropenia for the weekly regimen. One phase III trial found that single-agent pemetrexed provided similar survival and QOL, compared to docetaxel. Another phase III trial demonstrated that oral topotecan was non-inferior to docetaxel for one-year survival rate, although QOL significantly favored docetaxel over topotecan. Docetaxel-based and other combination chemotherapy regimens have not been shown to be superior to single-agent docetaxel. One phase III trial revealed a statistically significant survival and QOL benefit for erlotinib over placebo for patients who were not eligible for further chemotherapy. Modest tumor response rates and symptom control have been demonstrated for gefitinib; however, a statistically significant survival benefit has not been established for gefitinib over placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
Second-line or subsequent therapy with single-agent docetaxel, pemetrexed, or erlotinib offers patients a significant survival and QOL advantage.
Noble
J
J
Hôpital Régional de Sudbury Regional Hospital, Regional Cancer Program, Sudbury, ON, Canada.
Ellis
P M
PM
Mackay
J A
JA
Evans
W K
WK
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009864:Ontario; D010166:Palliative Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016019:Survival Analysis; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors
D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel