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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
04:04
Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2017
Radiotherapy for extensive stage small cell lung cancer
Frontiers of Radiation Therapy and Oncology
|December 4, 2009
Summary
Prophylactic cranial irradiation is effective for small cell lung cancer patients responding to chemotherapy, reducing brain metastases. Further trials will assess thoracic radiotherapy
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Medical Oncology
Background:
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is aggressive with poor prognosis.
- Most patients present with extensive stage disease.
- Brain metastases are a significant risk in SCLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in extensive stage SCLC.
- To investigate the potential benefit of thoracic radiotherapy in responding SCLC patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current treatment strategies for SCLC.
- Analysis of the effectiveness of PCI in preventing brain metastases.
- Description of ongoing clinical trials for thoracic radiotherapy in SCLC.
Main Results:
- Prophylactic cranial irradiation is highly effective in reducing brain metastases.
- PCI should be routine for SCLC patients responding to chemotherapy.
- Thoracic radiotherapy is typically used for palliation but may have a role in responding patients.
Conclusions:
- Prophylactic cranial irradiation is a standard of care for responding extensive stage SCLC patients.
- The role of thoracic radiotherapy in responding extensive stage SCLC patients requires further investigation through clinical trials.
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