Second-line therapeutic options in non-small-cell lung cancer.

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.