title: Treatment of relapsed small cell lung cancer.
abstract: Small cell lung cancer is a frequently relapsing tumor despite a high rate of response after first-line chemotherapy. For these patients, treatment at relapse depends on the response to first-line treatment, time off therapy, and the site of progression. For patients with a good performance status and a relapse more than 3 months after first-line treatment, the choice of chemotherapy at relapse is the same as initial therapy. In case of earlier progression, so-called non-cross-resistant chemotherapy should be given. For symptomatic metastases in bone or brain, radiotherapy usually gives temporary palliation. For intrathoracic relapse and severe obstruction of main bronchus and/or superior caval vein, radiotherapy is a possibility if not given as part of first-line treatment. Semin Oncol 28 (suppl 4):48-52.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University Hospital, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Postmus
authors.forename: E F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Smit
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000628:therapy*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents