Small cell carcinoma of the lung: an "updated" overview.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current status and recent advances, and ongoing research efforts related to the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC).


METHODS
Review articles, book chapters, research studies, and abstracts relating to SCLC.


CONCLUSIONS
SCLC is the most aggressive type of lung cancer with many patients having widespread disease at the time of diagnosis. It is the most treatment responsive lung cancer to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with aggressive chemotherapy the cornerstone of treatment. Yet, the survival rate is limited. Several new drugs have been found to be active and it is hoped that they will lead to improved results.


CONCLUSIONS
An understanding of the prognostic factors, staging, treatment modalities, and new therapies for SCLC will help nurses assist patients to make educated decisions about the potential risks and benefits of their therapeutic options.
Martin
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Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.
Comis
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D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011379:Prognosis; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome