The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of small cell lung cancer.
Because small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a systemic malignancy, chemotherapy is the mainstay treatment for patients with all stages of this tumor. Many chemotherapeutic agents have activity against SCLC, and when combined in three- or four-drug regimens, they produce a response in 75% to 90% of patients. Median survival times for patients with limited disease range from 14 to 16 months, and a small proportion may be cured. For extensive stage patients, median survival is usually less than 1 year; 2 year disease-free survival is uncommon. Current research is focusing on ways to increase the dose intensity of chemotherapy delivery.
Shepherd
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FA
Department of Medicine, Toronto Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents