Duration of remission for small cell lung cancer inquiries
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is a form of lung cancer that accounts for around 15% of all cases [1]. This aggressive type of cancer tends to relapse quickly, with remission periods often lasting several months up to about a year on average before recurrence [2][5].
In cases of Limited-stage SCLC (cancer confined to one lung and nearby lymph nodes), median survival times typically range from 12 to 16 months with treatment [2]. This suggests that remission phases for Limited-stage SCLC are usually shorter than the median survival times, as progression or recurrence often leads to death.
Extensive-stage SCLC (spread beyond one lung) has an even shorter median survival of 7–11 months [2], indicating that remission periods for this stage are even briefer.
The majority of SCLC recurrences occur within 2 years of diagnosis, and over 90% happen within 5 years [3]. A 2020 study found that within 2 years, approximately 80% of small cell lung cancer cases had recurred [4].
After second-line therapy for SCLC recurrence, the overall response rate is approximately 10% [5]. For SCLC relapse receiving third-line chemotherapy, the overall response rate is 18%, and the median progression-free survival is around 2 months [5].
Risk factors for SCLC relapse include extensive stage SCLC, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, poor performance status, and older age [6]. The risk of SCLC spreading to the brain increases over 2 years in people with Limited-stage SCLC but levels out in the first year in people with Extensive-stage SCLC [6].
However, there is some hope. Adding certain immunotherapies to standard platinum and etoposide chemotherapy may result in some improvement in overall survival [7]. People with SCLC may want to discuss treatment options with their healthcare team, including the possibility of participating in a clinical trial [8].
A 2020 case study demonstrated a cure for advanced SCLC, as a 71-year-old female with Extensive-stage SCLC and brain metastasis achieved complete remission following aggressive treatment [9].
Symptoms of SCLC returning after remission may include wheezing, a hoarse voice, a persistent or worsening cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent or recurrent infections, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and weakness [10]. Symptoms of metastasis may include bone pain, headaches, dizziness, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, difficulty balancing, seizures, jaundice, swollen lymph nodes, and signs of central nervous system involvement like confusion or memory loss [10].
In conclusion, Small Cell Lung Cancer is an aggressive form of lung cancer that tends to relapse quickly, with remission periods often lasting several months up to about a year on average before recurrence. People with SCLC may want to discuss treatment options with their healthcare team, including the possibility of participating in a clinical trial.
- Chemotherapy, including the standard platinum and etoposide regimen, is often used in treating Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), with some studies suggesting improvements in overall survival when immunotherapies are added.
- SCLC is a chronic disease that can relapse, with the majority of recurrences occurring within two years of diagnosis and over 90% happening within five years.
- Median survival times for Limited-stage SCLC are typically between 12 to 16 months, while for Extensive-stage SCLC, the median survival ranges from 7 to 11 months.
- Symptoms of SCLC recurrence or metastasis may include various health-and-wellness issues, such as wheezing, a persistent or worsening cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss.
- Therapies-and-treatments for SCLC relapse vary, with second-line therapy overall response rates at around 10%, and third-line chemotherapy response rates at 18%, though the median progression-free survival is only about two months in this case.
