Tuberc Respir Dis.  2014 Jan;76(1):1-7.

Update on the Evidence Regarding Maintenance Therapy

• Lee JE
• Chung CU

Abstract

Maintenance therapy has emerged as a novel therapeutic paradigm for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Maintenance therapy that aims to sustain a clinically favorable state after first-line chemotherapy has two strategies. Switch maintenance therapy entails switching to a new and non-cross-resistant agent in an alternating or sequential manner, on completion of first-line chemotherapy. Continuous maintenance therapy keeps ongoing administration of a component of the current regimen after four to six cycles of chemotherapy, if there is a stable disease, or better response. Both maintenance therapies can be continued, until disease progression. The potential evidence regarding maintenance therapy includes providing the opportunity to receive additional treatment, through sustaining tumor shrinkage, and delayed emergence of tumor-related symptom. Thus far, debates over the parameters used to predict the effectiveness of maintenance therapy, financial burden, and uncertainty of improving the quality of life exist. Despite many debates, maintenance therapy, which is currently recommended, has been disclosed to be beneficial.

Keyword

Maintenance Chemotherapy; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung
Disease Progression
Drug Therapy
Lung Neoplasms
Maintenance Chemotherapy
Quality of Life
Uncertainty

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