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Updated: Aug 25, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
SCLC: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Genetic Susceptibility, Molecular Pathology, Screening, and Early Detection
Qian Wang1, Zeynep H Gümüş2, Cristina Colarossi3
1University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
Abstract:
We review research regarding the epidemiology, risk factors, genetic susceptibility, molecular pathology, and early detection of SCLC, a deadly tumor that accounts for 14% of lung cancers. We first summarize the changing incidences of SCLC globally and in the United States among males and females. We then review the established risk factor (i.e., tobacco smoking) and suspected nonsmoking-related risk factors for SCLC, and emphasize the importance of continued effort in tobacco control worldwide. Review of genetic susceptibility and molecular pathology suggests different molecular pathways in SCLC development compared with other types of lung cancer. Last, we comment on the limited utility of low-dose computed tomography screening in SCLC and on several promising blood-based molecular biomarkers as potential tools in SCLC early detection.
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