Combined chemoradiotherapy in small cell lung cancer

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2005 Apr;19(2):321-42, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2005.02.004.

Abstract

Combined chemoradiotherapy is the established standard of care for limited stage small cell lung cancer; it provides cure in 15% to 25% of patients. Early concurrent therapy imparts a 5% long-term survival benefit compared with sequential therapy. Hyperfractionated delivery of radiotherapy may provide a small incremental benefit when compared with standard fractionation. Radiotherapy dose escalation and reduced radiotherapy volumes are feasible; however, survival benefit has not been confirmed. Cisplatin and etoposide remain the preferred chemotherapy agents. New chemotherapeutic agents and novel treatment approaches are under intense investigation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / radiotherapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / radiotherapy*