Advanced small cell lung cancer (SCLC): new challenges and new expectations.

ABSTRACT: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies and a major health riddle. The therapeutic options are limited. The combination of etoposide or irinotecan with platinum chemotherapy is the standard of care at any stage. The last decade systemic efforts have been done to reveal specific therapeutic targets for small cell lung carcinomas. In this review, we focus on the new therapeutic strategies of SCLC, including immune-related treatment that may change the prognosis of the disease. The main genetic mutations observed in SCLC are TP53 and RB1 mutations; however, it is well known that these molecules are not yet targetable. In recent years, research has revealed other frequent genetic alterations and activated signaling pathways that might be an effective treatment

SUBMITTER: Tsoukalas N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5952028 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature