TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Treatment of Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Source: Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 8, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
Treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer may include:
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immunotherapy (atezolizumab or durvalumab) and combination chemotherapy
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combination chemotherapy
radiation therapy to the brain, spine, bone, or other parts of the body where the cancer has spread, as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life
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radiation therapy to the chest if the cancer responded to chemotherapy
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radiation therapy to the brain after a complete response to chemotherapy, to prevent the spread of cancer to the brain
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Learn more about these treatments in the Treatment Option Overview.
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Use our clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. General information about clinical trials is also available.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice