Overcoming Chemotherapy Resistance in SCLC

J Thorac Oncol. 2021 Dec;16(12):2002-2015. doi: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.07.018. Epub 2021 Aug 3.

Abstract

SCLC is an aggressive form of lung cancer with a very poor prognosis. Although SCLC initially responds very well to platinum-based chemotherapy, it eventually recurs and at recurrence is nearly universally resistant to therapy. In light of the recent advances in understanding regarding the biology of SCLC, we review findings related to SCLC chemotherapy resistance. We discuss the potential clinical implications of recent preclinical discoveries in altered signaling pathways, transcriptional landscapes, metabolic vulnerabilities, and the tumor microenvironment.

Keywords: Chemoresistance; Chemotherapy; Resistance; SCLC; Small cell lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Prognosis
  • Signal Transduction
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma* / drug therapy
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma* / genetics
  • Tumor Microenvironment