The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Because small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a systemic malignancy, chemotherapy is the mainstay treatment for patients with all stages of this tumor. Many chemotherapeutic agents have activity against SCLC, and when combined in three- or four-drug regimens, they produce a response in 75% to 90% of patients. Median survival times for patients with limited disease range from 14 to 16 months, and a small proportion may be cured. For extensive stage patients, median survival is usually less than 1 year; 2 year disease-free survival is uncommon. Current research is focusing on ways to increase the dose intensity of chemotherapy delivery.