second line chemo - Cancer: Lung Message Board

ally219 · 07-17-2008, 08:36 PM

This is my first post although I have been reading for quite some time. My father was dx with IV NSCLC in Feb 2008. He had radiation on back and brain after spinal surgery and then started on chemo. He did not respond well so they started him on a "second line chemo". Does anyone know in laymans terms exactly what second line means??? From what I have read, it is only pallative and does not extend survival.

Thank You!!!!

Marie1973 · 07-17-2008, 08:45 PM

Second line means something else was already tried.I've read some really wonderful things about Tarceva (which is a second line treatment in the form of a pill) for lung cancer.
You might want to ask about it.Also second line is not only palliative and can extend life and stop progression-sometimes even causes remission.
Don't give up hope and good luck to you & your dad.
My dad has end stage lung cancer.
Marie