Small cell lung cancer that has been diagnosed and treated early may possibly be cured. Small cell lung cancer may also progress rapidly, in which case treatment is focused on managing the symptoms.

Treatment for small cell lung cancer depends on the stage. Stages are used to describe how much the cancer has worsened or spread.

Stages and Treatments

There are two main categories of small cell lung cancer. Treatment options for small cell lung cancer are discussed in more detail below.

1. Limited-stage small cell lung cancer – In this stage of small cell lung cancer, the cancer is in the lung. The lung cancer and may also spread to the area between the lungs or the lymph nodes above the collarbone.

Treatment for limited-stage small cell lung cancer may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery

2. Extensive-stage small cell lung cancer – In this stage of small cell lung cancer, the cancer has spread outside of the lung to the area between the lungs, the lymph nodes above the collarbone, or other places in the body.

Treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer may include:

• Immunotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

Types of Treatments

There are a variety of treatment options for small cell lung cancer, which may include a combination of:

Surgery – Surgery for limited-stage small cell lung cancer may be performed if the cancer is in only one lung and nearby lymph nodes. However, small cell lung cancer is most often found in both lungs; therefore, surgery alone is not frequently used. If surgery is performed, the surgeon will remove all visible lung cancer and the adjacent lymph nodes. Surgery may be used in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy uses drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from forming and can be given by pills, directly into a vein, in the spinal fluid, or directly into an organ or cavity. Chemotherapy drugs used for small cell lung cancer include platinum-based chemotherapy, with etoposide combined with cisplatin or carboplatin, or irinotecan. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy uses high-energy doses of radiation, protons, or other radiation to kill cancer cells. External radiation therapy directs the radiation at the cancer. Radiation therapy may be used to treat small cell lung cancer or as a palliative therapy to help relieve pain or symptoms.

Preventative radiation therapy, also called prophylactic cranial irradiation, may be used for small cell lung cancer to reduce the risk of cancer spread to the brain.

Immunotherapy, also called biologics – Immunotherapy uses a patient’s immune system, or the body’s own defenses, to attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy for the treatment of advanced small cell lung cancer includes immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab, and durvalumab.

Supportive therapy – Patients with small cell lung cancer may need assistance with breathing, which includes the use of bronchodilators and supplemental oxygen therapy.

Palliative Care

In addition to standard treatments, patients with advanced small cell lung cancer may also be treated with palliative care. Palliative care is used to relieve pain and other symptoms to make a patient more comfortable.

New, Experimental Treatments

Capmatinib (Tabrecta) is a selective MET inhibitor that was recently approved by the FDA in 2020 for the treatment of small cell lung cancer.

Long-Term Follow Up

Ongoing, long-term follow-up is an essential part of the treatment for patients with small cell lung cancer because the cancer often reoccurs even after it has been treated.

Sources

This content was written by the MediFind Medical Team. Last updated: 6/9/2022