Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
04:04

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer

Published on: February 12, 2017

11.1K

Second-line treatments of small-cell lung cancers

Nathalie Baize1, Isabelle Monnet2, Laurent Greillier3

  • 1a UTTIOM (Unité Transversale de Thérapeutiques Innovantes en Oncologie Médicale) , CHU Angers , France.

Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy
|August 30, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Second-line treatments for relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are challenging due to rapid tumor growth and drug resistance. Novel strategies like targeted therapies and immune-checkpoint blockades show promise for improved SCLC patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pulmonology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC) presents significant treatment challenges due to aggressive tumor biology and acquired drug resistance.
  • Limited clinical benefit from current second-line therapies necessitates exploration of novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Recent advancements in genomic and proteomic research have unveiled new molecular targets and pathways in SCLC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and analyze second-line treatment options for relapsed small cell lung cancer.
  • To discuss the efficacy and potential of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immune-checkpoint inhibitors in SCLC.
  • To highlight emerging therapeutic strategies and ongoing clinical trials for SCLC management.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed for studies published between 1990 and 2016.
  • Keywords used included 'SCLC', 'treatments', 'second line', and 'therapy'.
  • The review focuses on chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immune-checkpoint blockades investigated as second-line treatments.

Main Results:

  • Chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immune-checkpoint blockades have been investigated as second-line treatments for SCLC.
  • Genomic and preclinical studies have identified novel therapeutic strategies, including DLL3-targeted therapies and combination treatments.
  • Immune checkpoint blockade has shown promising preliminary results in ongoing clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • Novel therapeutic strategies, such as DLL3-targeted antibody-drug conjugates and combination therapies, offer potential for improved SCLC management.
  • Immune checkpoint blockade represents a promising avenue for second-line treatment in SCLC.
  • Enrollment of SCLC patients relapsing after initial chemotherapy in clinical trials remains a critical challenge for advancing treatment options.
Keywords:
PIK/AKT/mTOR inhibitorsSmall-cell lung cancer (SCLC)TK-receptors inhibitorsanti-angiogenics agentsaurora-kinase inhibitorschemotherapyimmune therapynotch path waysecond-linetargeted therapy

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer07:59

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: September 8, 2023

1.8K
Semi-automatic PD-L1 Characterization and Enumeration of Circulating Tumor Cells from Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients by Immunofluorescence10:29

Semi-automatic PD-L1 Characterization and Enumeration of Circulating Tumor Cells from Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients by Immunofluorescence

Published on: August 14, 2019

11.2K

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.0K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
10.3K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.8K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
6.2K
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
2.1K