Second-line and third-line chemotherapy for lung cancer: use and cost.

Objectives: To identify commonly prescribed first-, second-, and third-line chemotherapy regimens for persons with lung cancer and to evaluate the utilization patterns and costs of care associated with receiving these regimens.

Study Design: Retrospective data analysis.

Methods: Using health insurance claims from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2006, patients with lung cancer were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes.