TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
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.
The prognosis and treatment options depend on:
the stage of the cancer (whether it is in the chest cavity only or has spread to other places in the body)
the patient's age, sex, and general health
For certain patients, prognosis also depends on whether the patient is treated with both chemotherapy and radiation.
Source links and citations
For most people with small cell lung cancer, current treatments do not cure the cancer. If lung cancer is found, you may want to think about taking part in one of the many clinical trials being done to improve treatment. Clinical trials are taking place in most parts of the country for patients with all stages of small cell lung cancer. Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI website.
Source links and citations
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice