Small cell lung cancer

J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2013 Jan 1;11(1):78-98. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2013.0011.

Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumors account for approximately 20% of lung cancers; most (≈15%) are small cell lung cancer (SCLC). These NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for SCLC focus on extensive-stage SCLC because it occurs more frequently than limited-stage disease. SCLC is highly sensitive to initial therapy; however, most patients eventually die of recurrent disease. In patients with extensive-stage disease, chemotherapy alone can palliate symptoms and prolong survival in most patients; however, long-term survival is rare. Most cases of SCLC are attributable to cigarette smoking; therefore, smoking cessation should be strongly promoted.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Radiotherapy
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / secondary*
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents