Small cell lung cancer: state of the art and future perspectives.

Publication/Presentation Date

7-1-2004

Abstract

Small cell lung cancer accounts for less than 20% of all lung cancer. The management of this distinct tumor entity differs from the more common non-small cell lung cancer. Primary prevention of smoking exposure remains the most important public health measure. Although small cell lung is an exquisitely chemosensitive disease it remains ultimately fatal for the great majority of patients. Combination chemotherapy regimens have improved response rate and survival of the last three decades. The combination of cisplatin and etoposide has been considered the standard therapy for over a decade. More intensive triplet combination chemotherapy and high-dose chemotherapy have shown improved response rates and survival. Early concomitant and accelerated radiotherapy improves survival in limited stage disease. This review summarizes the current state of the art and future perspectives in detection, staging and standard therapy of small cell lung cancer. Particular emphasis is given to the importance of concomitant and accelerated radiotherapy and consideration of dose-intensive combination chemotherapy regimens.

Volume

45

Issue

1

First Page

105

Last Page

117

ISSN

0169-5002

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

15196740

Department(s)

Department of Medicine

Document Type

Article

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