Abstract: ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of gefitinib versus docetaxel in previously treated non-small cell lung cancer. Methods Literatureswere searched on database like PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China Journal Full Text Database, and Chinese Scientific Journals Full Text Database and Wanfang Database. All the relevant randomized controlled trials that gefitinib versus docetaxel in non-small cell lung cancer patients who have previously received chemotherapy were collected, and the quality of the included trials was assessed by Cochrane Systematic Review Handbook 5.0.2. Meta-analyses were conducted by RevMan 5.0 software. Results Four studies were involved and 2 257 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that gefitinib can improve objective response rate and quality of life in local advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients who have previously received chemotherapy compared with docetaxel (P＜0.05); and it’s low in the 3-4 level adverse reaction rate (P＜0.05). Butthere was no significant difference in overall survival rate, symptoms improving rate and progression-free survival rate (P＞0.05). Conclusions Gefitinib is superior to docetaxel in the objective response rate with local advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients who have previously received chemotherapy.The quality of life of the patients is improved significantly. Because of it has high drug tolerance and high safety, gefitinib can be actively promoted application as a kind of current effective second-line drugs at present, but the survival aspect needs to be studied further.