New advancements spell hope for small cell lung cancer patients

JACKSON, Tenn. — It’s a new era of hope for small cell lung cancer patients.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the most aggressive and deadliest types of lung cancer that is a lesser-known diagnosis that can carry a devastating impact.

SCLC accounts for 15% of lung cancer cases and progresses rapidly – yet for decades, treatment options saw little to no advancement.

Until recently, SCLC was often considered a hopeless diagnosis due to its rapid spread and resistance to treatment. But now, exciting advancements are rewriting the story for some patients and giving doctors new tools to fight back.

“Everybody will be getting at least the best standard care that exists, and in many trials, you know what you’re getting. There are trials where it’s just one arm trial, meaning everybody gets that specific treatment. Others where it’s randomized, meaning you don’t get to choose. You’re getting one of two, or sometimes more, different options, but at a minimum, it would include the best current standard of care,” said Dr. Jacob Sands, thoracic oncologist at Dana-Farber Institute.

This new wave of innovation is offering real hope for SCLS patients – from immunotherapy combinations to T-cell engager treatments called “bite.” And from new approaches like CAR T-cell therapy and antibody-drug conjugates, which are being tested in clinical trials and may shrink tumors while sparing healthy tissue.

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