Welcome to the SCLC Patient Gateway newsletter from LUNGevity Foundation.
In this edition, we are looking at some new developments in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Approximately 15% of lung cancer diagnoses are SCLC, which can be classified as either limited stage (LS-SCLC) or extensive stage (ES-SCLC). SCLC tends to be more aggressive than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and has fewer treatment options available.
SCLC has not seen the rapid growth in new treatments that NSCLC has. But as we learn more about what works in NSCLC, researchers can apply those learnings to SCLC. For example, immunotherapy has seen significant success in treating patients diagnosed with NSCLC, and now it is being evaluated for use in patients with SCLC.
Recently, doctors and scientists have presented data on the use of newer treatments for SCLC, including the use of antibody combinations as second-line therapy, and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), which couple a drug to an antibody to deliver treatment directly to the tumor and minimize side effects.
The combination of immunotherapy, specifically a PD-1 drug called toripalimab, with chemotherapy has also been shown to improve survival in patients with ES-SCLC and is considered a new standard first-line option for these individuals.
As you will see in the articles below, researchers are actively working on many different approaches to develop improved treatment options for people living with SCLC. And some of this work has promising results.
Research News
Rising Kashmir
Types of Lung Cancer: Knowing the Differences and Treatment Options
Published Sep 13, 2023
Science Direct
Current knowledge of small cell lung cancer transformation from non-small cell lung cancer
Published Jul 8, 2023
MDedge
SCLC: Bispecific antibody shows phase 1 promise
Published Jun 4, 2023
The ASCO Post
Patients With SLFN11-Expressing SCLC May Benefit From Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Plus PARP Inhibitor
Published Jun 4, 2023
BioSpace
New Study Confirms Consistent Risk of Myelosuppression Across All Patients Receiving Chemotherapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published May 16, 2023
MDPI
Unlocking New Horizons in Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treatment: The Onset of Antibody–Drug Conjugates
Published Nov 10, 2023
The ASCO Post
Novel Therapies for Small Cell Lung Cancer and Neuroendocrine Tumors
Published Nov 9, 2023
CURE
Trodelvy May Provide Benefits in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published Nov 5, 2023
Pulmonologyadvisor
Toripalimab Plus Chemo Dubbed New Standard First-Line Therapy for ES-SCLC
Published Nov 1, 2023
Get Connected
Join us for the SCLC Virtual Meetup
It’s the easy way to build your community. Each month, you can connect with others who understand what it’s like to live with SCLC. The next SCLC Virtual Meetup is happening on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 3 pm ET. Register for the SCLC Meetup to get a confirmation email with details about how to join the virtual meeting. Can’t make it? Don’t worry, there’s a full list of virtual meetups to fit your schedule.
Learn from
Experts at Your Convenience
The International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference is LUNGevity’s annual virtual conference (held in September) to inform patients and caregivers about the latest lung cancer research and treatments. The sessions have been recorded and are available for free viewing until December 21. Register today to access these informative sessions from lung cancer experts. Learn more here.
Have You Seen?
What Is a Clinical Trial?
Lung cancer clinical trials are carefully designed research studies to evaluate and learn more about new drugs and treatments. They offer people the opportunity to participate in lung cancer research and access to new treatments that otherwise may not be available to them, all under the close supervision of medical experts. Join Marissa Fors, an oncology social worker with CancerCare, for a brief introduction to clinical trials. Watch it here.
Emotional Care for the Whole Family
A diagnosis of cancer has an impact on the entire family. Emotional support from family and friends can make a significant difference to the experience of survivorship, but figuring out when, how, and in what way to offer support can be difficult. In this article, Julie Larson, a licensed clinical social worker, offers guidance on these challenging situations. Read it here.
The Latest Lung Cancer Science: Highlights of WCLC 2023
Get caught up on the latest SCLC science. Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, LUNGevity’s Executive Director of Research, offers key takeaways from the 2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer that was held in Singapore in October. Read it here.
…and so much more at the SCLC Patient Gateway.
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If you need further assistance along your lung cancer journey, please email us at support@lungevity.org. Our team is always here to assist you.
