Updates in Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment: No Longer Too Small to Ignore-A Review of Recent Therapeutic Advances
- Author(s)
- Arya, Y; Dyer, P; Hegi-Johnson, F; Reguart, N; Manochakian, R;
- Details
- Publication Year 2026-06,Volume 46,Issue #3,Page e524964
- Journal Title
- American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book
- Publication Type
- Review
- Abstract
- Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for a smaller percentage of lung cancer cases, it has remained a significant contributor to the overall mortality burden because of its inherently aggressive nature. Over several years, and until recently, there have been no major breakthroughs in the management of SCLC. Concurrent chemoradiation with platinum doublet chemotherapy has remained the mainstay of treatment in limited-stage disease, with chemotherapy being the main and only treatment in extensive stage. Despite having an initial good response to those treatments in most patients, progression of cancer has been nearly inevitable, with no additional effective therapeutic options, and the majority of patients with SCLC dying of their disease. Fortunately, the last decade has witnessed some major scientific advances addressing the huge unmet needs in the realm of SCLC management and ushered in renewed hope in the lung cancer community. From approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors and lurbinectedin, a newer chemotherapy agent, to novel immunotherapies such as tarlatamab, a DLL3-CD3 bispecific T-cell engager, and other upcoming promising drugs, the therapeutic armamentarium for SCLC is steadily expanding. In this study, we review the current landscape of both systemic therapy as well as radiation therapy for SCLC, with a focus on major developments over the past decade, current standards of care, and novel therapeutics that are expected to revolutionize the treatment of this aggressive malignancy.
- Publisher
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Keywords
- Humans; *Small Cell Lung Carcinoma/therapy/pathology/diagnosis/etiology; *Lung Neoplasms/therapy/pathology/diagnosis; Combined Modality Therapy; Treatment Outcome; Chemoradiotherapy
- Department(s)
- Radiation Oncology
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1200/edbk-26-524964
- Open Access at Publisher's Site
https://doi.org/10.1200/edbk-26-524964- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
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Creation Date: 2026-06-23 03:42:02
Last Modified: 2026-06-23 03:42:14