Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine malignancy that is highly metastatic and typically diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in poor prognosis. It accounts for 13-15% of all lung cancers and is strongly associated with smoking. The disease’s rapid progression, tendency to develop resistance to chemotherapy, and frequent metastasis to the brain, liver, and bones present significant challenges for treatment. Initial therapy with chemotherapy, primarily platinum-based regimens, often yields good responses in limited-stage disease, but relapse occurs rapidly in most patients, with extensive-stage disease showing minimal long-term survival benefits. Recent advances in immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, have shown promise in improving outcomes, especially when combined with chemotherapy. Additionally, targeted therapies directed at specific molecular alterations such as MYC amplification and BCL2 overexpression are currently under investigation. Liquid biopsy technologies and molecular profiling are revolutionizing early detection and personalized treatment, offering hope for better treatment strategies.