While small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is relatively rare, it can spread to other areas of the body rather quickly. As a result, finding the right treatment is key to managing the condition and preventing more serious health problems.
Many people with SCLC receive medication. Chemotherapy drugs can slow the progression of the disease and cause tumours to become smaller. While chemotherapy doesn’t actually cure SCLC, it is beneficial for controlling the illness, which can in turn improve the patient’s quality of life. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken orally, but doctors can also administer them intravenously.
Immunotherapy treatments can also be used to stop cancer cells from spreading. Immunotherapy uses a person’s natural immune system response to target and kill cancer cells. Immunotherapy medications are often administered intravenously.
Certain patients may qualify for clinical trials when it comes to treating SCLC. These trials often use a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy to address this form of lung cancer, and some patients experience an improved outlook as a result.
Because SCLC spreads so quickly, surgery is not always an option for patients. In cases where surgery may be beneficial, doctors will remove all or a portion of cancerous tissues. Surgery can be combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Radiation is another option for treating SCLC. With radiation treatments, radioactive waves are used to destroy cancerous cells. Radiation therapy is most effective for limited stage SCLC, which is when cancerous cells have not spread extensively or made their way into the lymph nodes.