title: Progress in the therapy of small cell lung cancer.
abstract: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 14% of all cases of lung cancer. Combination chemotherapy is the most effective treatment modality for SCLC and recently, several new active drugs have emerged. Combinations of platinum agents with CPT-11 or gemcitabine have been successfully compared in phase III trials against the cisplatin/etoposide standard. Modest improvements in the outcome of patients with SCLC have been noted over the last two decades. Thoracic irradiation given concurrently with chemotherapy improves survival compared with sequential chemotherapy and radiation, but this approach is associated with more toxicity. Moreover, the optimal doses and fractionation of thoracic irradiation remain to be determined. Three-dimensional treatment planning is under investigation. Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) has established a role in the management of patients who have achieved a complete response to the initial therapy. Novel molecular targeted therapies are among the strategies currently being investigated in SCLC.
authors.affiliation: Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208032, 333 Cedar Str #287 NSB, New Haven, CT 06520-8032, USA.
authors.forename: Miklos
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.forename: Athanassios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Argiris
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Murren
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000556:secondary; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016371:Cranial Irradiation; D006801:Humans; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome