Before learning about SCLC chemotherapy or small cell lung cancer chemotherapy, an understanding of what is small cell lung cancer, how it is caused and what are the symptoms of this type of cancer is a must. Once that is understood, we can learn about SCLC chemotherapy and the other treatment options available for this cancer type. Lung cancer develops from the abnormal epithelial cells present in the airways of the lungs. These cells basically cover all the free area in the body and that includes the airways. Lung cancer is primarily divided into two types based on its image under the microscopic. Depending on the size of the cancer cells, they are called small cell lung cancer (SCLC) or non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Studies suggest that on an average, 20 percent of lung cancer cases are of SCLC. The growth of SCLC is faster than NSCLC and therefore it is likely to cause more damage as compared to its counterpart. As it grows at a faster rate, it metastasizes or spreads quickly affecting the other parts of the body such as the liver, bone and brain. As compared to NSCLC chemotherapy, SCLC shows a better response towards radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Types of Small Cell Lung Cancer

Although as previously mentioned SCLC are smaller in size and appearance, there could be minor variations. Due to the minor variations noticed in SCLC they are further classified into 3 types namely:

• Mixed Small Cell / Large Cell Carcinoma
• Small Cell Carcinoma which is also referred to as Oat Cell Cancer as the cells resemble the size and shape of oat granules. This type is the most common in SCLC.
• Combined Small Cell Carcinoma

Stages of SCLC

SCLC treatment entirely depends on how far the cancer has spread. The process used to determine the spread of small cell lung cancer to other parts of the body and within the chest is called staging. Before considering the options of treatment for small cell lung cancer, including SCLC chemotherapy, the SCLC stages must be ascertained. The three stages of small cell lung cancer are limited stage, extensive stage and recurrent stage. Patients with cancer in one of lungs and / or in the lymph nodes are in the limited stage. Those with cancer spread into the other lung are in the extensive stage and those who after undertaking the treatment relapse into the old state are in the recurrent stage. A series of tests may be required to be undertaken to determine the stage of SCLC in the patient. These tests may involve chest X-ray, CT scan of the chest, adrenal glands and liver, MRI, blood tests and bone scan.

SCLC Chemotherapy and Other Treatment Options

In chemotherapy only one drug or a single agent may be used for the treatment however SCLC chemotherapy treatment mostly involves combination chemotherapy i.e. the use of two or more drugs. Radiation therapy and laser therapy, surgery are some of the other treatment alternatives for small cell lung cancer. Many a times, these treatment options are also combined together as it may be more effective. Given below are treatment combinations and options available for different stages of SCLC.

Limited Stage SCLC - For a patient in limited stage, treatment consisting of radiation therapy and combination lung cancer chemotherapy treatment could be given to the chest. SCLC chemotherapy could also be given to the brain along with or without radiation therapy. Only SCLC chemotherapy could be continued for the patients responding well to the chemo treatment. A surgery may also be used to treat the lung cancer after which chemotherapy or radiation therapy could be given to the chest.

Extensive Stage SCLC - Extensive stage SCLC can be treated by either using only combination SCLC chemotherapy, single agent chemotherapy may also be compatible for some patients. If the patient is not responding well to chemo then radiation therapy could be used along with the existing chemo treatment.

Recurrent SCLC - A recurrent small cell lung cancer is usually given a palliative therapy which could either consist of a combination of chemo and radiation therapy or any of the treatment methods could be used individually. When the small cell lung cancer keeps recurring, the treatment usually aims at relieving the symptoms of cancer as the cancer keeps relapsing after a statutory time.

SCLC chemotherapy regimen usually consists of the following combination of chemotherapy drugs:

• Cisplatin and Etoposide
• Carboplatin and Etoposide
• Vincristine, Cyclophosphamide and Doxorubicin
• Cyclophosphamide, Cisplatin and Epirubicin or Doxorubicin

SCLC Chemotherapy Side Effects

The side effects of chemotherapy may vary from case to case depending on how hard are the drugs on the body. However, some of the common side effects that may be noticed in patients undergoing SCLC may involve the following:

• Mouth sores
• Fatigue
• Teeth problems
• Hair Loss
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Loss of appetite and weight loss

The duration of the SCLC chemotherapy treatment cannot be defined in advance as it depends on how the cancer responds to the treatment and also on the tolerance of the body towards the treatment. Chemotherapy cycles could vary from person to person but if the body responds well to the treatment then it indeed improves the quality of life.