Author(s): Niwa H
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer worldwide. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 15% to 20% of lung cancer. SCLC is characterized by a high rate of invasion and rapid cell proliferation. The SCLC also shows a high sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy; however, the duration of the response is relatively short. The standard chemotherapy regimen for SCLC patients is a combination of platinum and etoposide agents or platinum agents plus irinotecan, which is the most frequently used combination and gives a median survival period of approximately 9 to 12 months in clinical trials.
