JAMA Clinical Reviews
Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer
Mar 31, 2025
Anne C. Chiang, an associate professor of medical oncology at Yale University, shares her expertise on small cell lung cancer (SCLC). She discusses the alarming prevalence tied to smoking and symptoms that can lead to misdiagnosis. Chiang highlights recent advancements, including immunotherapy from the Adriatic trial, which shows promise for limited-stage SCLC. Additionally, she emphasizes the vital role of palliative care and clinical trials, advocating for tailored treatments that improve outcomes for patients facing this challenging disease.
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Quick takeaways
- SCLC predominantly affects smokers, with 95% of patients being smokers and many asymptomatic at diagnosis, necessitating vigilant screening.
- Recent advancements such as durvalumab have significantly improved survival rates for limited-stage SCLC, highlighting the impact of innovative treatments.
Deep dives
Understanding Small Cell Lung Cancer Incidence and Symptoms
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is relatively rare, with about 16,000 new cases expected in the U.S. in 2024 and an incidence of 4.7 cases per 100,000 individuals. The primary risk factor associated with SCLC is smoking, affecting 95% of patients, although non-smokers generally have a better prognosis. Many patients often present with persistent cough, shortness of breath, or hemoptysis, leading to potential misdiagnosis as common respiratory infections. Intriguingly, around 60% of patients may be asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis, highlighting the need for vigilant screening, especially for those undergoing CT scans for other reasons.
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