The aim of our study was to explore the value of second-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One patient with metastatic adenocarcinoma of NSCLC was given second-line treatment of pemertrexed/cisplatin. Follow-up was made to observe progression free survival (PFS) and survival time. She was given 4 cycles first-line treatment of recombinant human endostatin plus gemcitabine/cisplatin previously; the efficacy was CR and PFS was 10.2 months. After the 5th cycle treatment of pemetrexed/cisplatin, the efficacy of the primary tumor was CR, and bone metastases was stable. PFS was 6.6 months, and the patient has been survival for 22 months. Quality of life (QOL) of the patient was improved. When advanced NSCLC is recurrence or metastasis, starting second-line treatment of pemetrexed/cisplatin timely can prolong survival time and improve QOL. The aim of our study was to explore the value of second-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One patient with metastatic adenocarcinoma of NSCLC was given second-line treatment of pemertrexed / cisplatin. Follow-up was made to observe progression free survival (PFS) and survival time. She was given 4 cycles first-line treatment of recombinant human endostatin plus gemcitabine / cisplatin previously; the efficacy was CR and PFS was 10.2 months. After the 5th cycle treatment of pemetrexed / cisplatin , the efficacy of the primary tumor was CR, and bone metastases was stable. PFS was 6.6 months, and the patient has been saved for 22 months. Quality of life (QOL) of the patient was improved. When advanced NSCLC is recurrence or metastasis , starting second-line treatment of pemetrexed / cisplatin timely can prolong survival time and improve QOL.