Maintenance therapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Does emerging evidence support its use?

Roger Y. Tsang, MD, FRCPC and Charles A. Butts, MD, FRCPC

Abstract

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Canada. Despite modern advances in systemic therapies, the prognosis for patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains poor. Clinical trials are exploring various strategies in attempts to improve outcomes in this population, such as the addition of novel targeted agents and the use of alternating and maintenance systemic strategies. Maintenance therapy in advanced NSCLC can be defined as the addition of further systemic therapy in patients who have responded or achieved at least stable disease following standard first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. The present review explores the role of maintenance therapy in advanced NSCLC.