SCLC usually disseminated at presentation; poor overall survival
Can be very responsive to chemotherapy, but rapidly develop resistance
Diagnosis: all have Rb & p53 mutations (Nature 2015;524:47); 90% w/ neuroendo markers
Treatment: primarily chemo (platinum + etoposide); adding anti-PD-L1 Ab atezolizumab
↑ survival (NEJM 2018;379:2220), as does concurrent thoracic RT in limited-stage disease
Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) controversial. Offered to potentially ↑ survival for LS-SCLC in complete remission (NEJM 1999;341:476). Role in ES-SCLC being studied.
SCLC usually disseminated at presentation; poor overall survival
Can be very responsive to chemotherapy, but rapidly develop resistance
Diagnosis: all have Rb & p53 mutations; 90% w/ neuroendo markers
Treatment: primarily chemo (platinum + etoposide); adding anti-PD-L1 Ab atezolizumab
↑ survival, as does concurrent thoracic RT in limited-stage disease
Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) controversial. Offered to potentially ↑ survival for LS-SCLC in complete remission. Role in ES-SCLC being studied.