Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is a very
aggressive cancer that comprises 15 to 25% of all lung cancers and has its
highest occurrence in smokers. Although it is generally considered to be veryresponsive to chemotherapy in the limited stage, it has a high incidence of
recurrence. Despite its overall response rate which has been reported to be as
high as 75 to 85%, patients with extensive stage disease are often refractory
to the initial treatment.
The long-term survival rate for SCLC for the limited
disease state is approximately 15% while the advanced stage disease is often
fatal in less than 1 year. Due to the asymptomatic characteristics of SCLC it
often goes undiagnosed until it has progressed into the extensive stage.
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