Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive form of lung cancer characterized by rapid tumor growth, a high proliferation rate, and early widespread metastasis. It is classified into two stages: limited disease (LD-SCLC), confined to one side of the chest and regional lymph nodes, and extensive disease (ED-SCLC), involving distant sites beyond one hemithorax. Treatment strategies focus on systemic therapies due to the disease's rapid progression, with chemotherapy and radiation forming the backbone of initial management. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising addition in frontline treatment, particularly for ED-SCLC, while ongoing research aims to identify targeted therapies based on the molecular and biological features of SCLC, especially to address the poor prognosis and limited options in relapsed or refractory cases.