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Review
. 2018 Feb;7(1):69-79.
doi: 10.21037/tlcr.2018.01.16.

Current standards for clinical management of small cell lung cancer

Anna F Farago  1 , Florence K Keane  2
Affiliations
Review

Current standards for clinical management of small cell lung cancer

Anna F Farago et al. Transl Lung Cancer Res. 2018 Feb.

Abstract

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. Despite over 30 years of clinical research, little progress has been made in the management of SCLC, and outcomes remain poor. Here, we review the current clinical standards for management of SCLC and the data supporting these strategies.

Keywords: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC); chemotherapy; radiation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: AF Farago acts consulting or advisory role for Abbive, Pharmamar, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Takeda, Intervention Insights, Honorarium from Foundation Medicine. FK Keane has no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Coronal chest CT image of patient with SCLC at the time of diagnosis. The tumor involves the left upper lobe (green arrow) and extends into the mediastinum (green arrow head). CT, computed tomography; SCLC, small cell lung cancer.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Simplified overview of SCLC management. Above, a schematized overview of management of limited stage SCLC shows that patients often receive up-front treatment with concurrent chemotherapy and radiation, followed by consideration of PCI and subsequent surveillance. Below, a schematized overview of management of extensive stage SCLC shows that patients often receive up-front treatment with chemotherapy, followed by consideration of PCI and TRT. Second line and subsequent therapies are considered at the time of progression of disease. Standard options for systemic therapies are shown in italics. These approaches may not apply for patients with symptomatic brain metastases at presentation, poor performance status, or other features. SCLC, small cell lung cancer; PCI, prophylactic cranial irradiation; TRT, thoracic radiotherapy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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