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Small Cell Lung Cancer
A 60-70 year old female with long gray hair, wearing glasses on top of their head, is dressed in a white turtleneck sweater and a cream-colored cardigan. The background features abstract shapes in shades of blue and gray.

What is Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)?

Key characteristics of SCLC:1

  • Fast-growing: SCLC is known for its rapid growth rate.
  • Prevalence: It accounts for about 13-15% of all lung cancer cases in the US. 
  • Association with smoking: It's strongly linked to smoking.
  • Origin: It typically originates in the neuroendocrine cells of the lungs. 
  • Rapid spread: SCLC tends to spread quickly, often to other parts of the body.
A lung icon with a pie chart depicting that Small Cell Lung Cancer makes up about 13% of lung cancer cases in the UnitedStates.

How is Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Treated?

The treatment for SCLC depends on the stage of the cancer, which is typically classified as limited-stage or extensive-stage. The stage determines the available treatment options.2

Limited-stage SCLC: The cancer is confined to one side of the chest, including nearby lymph nodes. It is usually treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, with some patients being eligible for surgery in rare cases. 

Extensive-stage SCLC: The cancer has spread throughout one or both lungs or to distant parts of the body. It is primarily treated with chemotherapy, often combined with immunotherapy.

SCLC tends to grow and spread quickly, making recurrence after initial treatment common. Clinical trials may provide additional treatment options for patients with SCLC, particularly those whose cancer has returned or progressed despite standard therapies. 

References

  1. National Cancer Institute. Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. Accessed on 13 Jun 2025; https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/patient/small-cell-lung-treatment-pdq#; Updated: May 8, 2025
  2. American Cancer Society. Treatment Choices for Small Cell Lung Cancer, by Stage. Accessed on 13 Jun 2025; https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/treating-small-cell/by-stage.html; Updated December 6, 2024
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