New Therapies and Biomarkers: Are We Ready for Personalized Treatment in Small Cell Lung Cancer?

Abstract

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive form of lung cancer with a 5-year survival rate of less than 7%. In contrast to non–small cell lung cancer, SCLC has long been treated as a homogeneous disease without personalized treatment options. In recent years, the incorporation of immunotherapy into the treatment paradigm has brought moderate benefit to patients with SCLC; however, more effective therapies are urgently needed. In this article, we describe the current treatment standards and emerging therapeutic approaches for the treatment of SCLC. We also discuss promising biomarkers in SCLC and the recently discovered four subtypes of SCLC, each with its unique therapeutic vulnerability. Lastly, we discuss the advances in radiation therapy for the treatment of SCLC.