Multidisciplinary management of small cell lung cancer

The standard treatment of limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is concurrent cisplatin and etoposide with thoracic radiation therapy, whereas treatment of extensive-stage disease is typically chemotherapy alone with a platinum compound plus etoposide. Surgical resection of early disease is generally reserved for patients with small, node-negative disease. Prophylactic cranial irradiation reduces the development of brain metastases and prolongs survival in patients with both limited-stage and extensive-stage disease who have responded to chemotherapy. Further understanding of the molecular underpinnings of SCLC is necessary to develop better treatment options and improve outcomes for patients.