Chemotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Intensive Care Unit.

Abstract Background patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) admitted to the intensive care unit have poor prognosis. There is limited data on cytotoxic chemotherapy in this setting. The standard of care for these patients is usually best supportive care. Case 60-year-old previously healthy female was admitted to the ICU with newly diagnosed mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung. She received cisplatin and pemetrexed while intubated and mechanically ventilated. She was extubated a week later and discharged home after achieving an excellent radiographic and clinical response. Discussion in select patients with NSCLC admitted to the ICU due to complications from their malignancy, a trial of cytotoxic chemotherapy may be reasonable. To our knowledge, this is the first case of mucinous NSCLC treated in the ICU.