title: Long-term survival in small cell lung cancer with superior vena caval obstruction.
abstract: Two patients were diagnosed with small cell lung cancer and superior vena caval obstruction. Successful palliation of symptoms with significant reduction in size of the intrathoracic lesion was achieved with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Treatment resulted in complete remission with long-term (more than 3 years) survival. These two cases affirm the fact that, despite the generally recognized poor prognosis of small cell lung cancer associated with this syndrome, aggressive therapy can sometimes provide rewarding results.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Radiology, LSU Medical Center, Shreveport 71130.
authors.forename: F L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Ampil
authors.forename: G V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Burton
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Hollenberg
mesh_terms: D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012074:Remission Induction; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D015996:Survival Rate; D013997:Time Factors