A review of 269 papers published between 1980 and 1990 has been performed in order to evaluate the median survival (MS) of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in relationship with different therapeutic modalities. We found that therapies with cisplatin and etoposide were associated with a significantly longer MS than those without these drugs. Alternating regimens, short therapies (< or = 6 months) and maintenance treatments have a similar MS. Initial and late intensification does not significantly prolong the MS as compared to conventional treatments. Neither radiation therapy to the chest and/or to the brain does increase the MS. Overall, MS of patients with limited SCLC is significantly longer than that of patients with extensive disease.