Small Cell Cancer of the Lung (SCL)

The best treatment results for limited stage (LS) SCL are with early radiation plus chemotherapy (read the review here and see Takada, review, and NCCN LS), and for more advanced or extensive stage (ES) chemo alone (see NCCN ES.) There may be some benefit even in patients with metastatic small cell to treat all the sites after chemotherapy (see RTOG 0937).

The proper radiation dose is being studied (RTOG 0241 ,  RTOG 0239 , NCCN discussion and NCCN radiation dose guidelines.) Typical radiation fields as per RTOG 0241

The role of surgery is being reevaluated (see NCCN for limited stage and for extensive stage.) See the NCI Page and the physician NCCN site and the patient information review.   Some recent studies here.