Small-cell lung cancer accounts for up to 20 % of lung cancer and is the most aggressive type. Although responding to chemotherapy, it often relapses early. In spite of more than thirty years of intensive research, its prognosis has not been improved. Through increasing knowledge about molecular mechanisms and the involved genes, translational research into antibodies, small molecules and even vaccines, might result in interesting new strategies for the near future. After a short introduction about the function of the relevant genes, the diagnostic and prognostic value will be described. In the second part of this review the focus will lie on current studies (mostly phases I and II) for the treatment of SCLC.