Summary
Second line chemotherapy is worthwhile and tolerated well in seniors citizens, but Alimta (Eli Lilly) appears to be at least as effective as Taxotere (Sanofi-Aventis) with much less toxicity and with less premature patient withdrawals. There was a marked difference in the incidence of febrile neutropenia and the toxicity profile was better for the Lilly product.
Analysis
The researchers were investigators for both pharma companies which makes this an impressive difference. My personal experience is that Alimta is better tolerated, but both are efficacious in treating non small cell lung cancer and have a place in the treatment algorithm.
Taxotere can be used first line whereas Alimta is unproven in this setting. Perhaps Aventis needs to continue pushing Taxotere in the first line setting.
Score one for Lilly.
