New and Emerging Strategies for the Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer

New and Emerging Strategies for the Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is a very aggressive cancer that comprises 15 to 25% of all lung cancers and has its highest occurrence in smokers. Although it is generally considered to be very responsive to chemotherapy in the limited stage, it has a high incidence of recurrence. Despite its overall response rate which has been reported to be as high as 75 to 85%, patients with extensive stage disease are often refractory to the initial treatment. The long-term survival rate for SCLC for the limited disease state is approximately 15% while the advanced stage disease is often fatal in less than 1 year. Due to the asymptomatic characteristics of SCLC it often goes undiagnosed until it has progressed into the extensive stage.