Researchers at the University of Vienna have recently taken stock of the most promising advances in knowledge and treatment of this disease, one of the deadliest types of cancer in the world.
- The so-called small cell form accounts for about 15% of lung cancers.
- It is the most aggressive lung cancer with a high mortality rate and a survival of only a few months.
- Advances in small cell lung cancer research are leading to the development of more targeted treatments.
Small cell lung cancer is the most aggressive form of lung cancer. This disease affects about 15% of lung cancer patients and usually occurs in heavy smokers but can also affect non-smokers. It is a serious disease characterized by a high mortality rate: survival rarely exceeds a few months.
A fast-growing form of cancer
Small cell lung cancer is a fast-growing form of cancer that quickly spreads to other parts of the body. Despite conventional therapies that have reached a plateau of effectiveness, recent scientific advances have improved knowledge about this disease. In particular, they show that this form of cancer is very heterogeneous and includes different subgroups associated with various clinical behaviors and new potential therapeutic strategies.
Researchers from the University of Vienna recently took stock of these most promising advances. They thus created the basis for the development of targeted and personalized therapeutic approaches.
Adapting treatments in small cell lung cancer
They discovered new subgroups of small cell lung cancer, each with unique characteristics. Identifying these subgroups will help tailor treatments and improve the chances of patient survival.
The researchers also identified specific genes that are turned on or off in these patient subgroups. This information is essential for the development of new targeted treatments. In parallel, immunotherapies and targeted therapies have made significant progress in recent years and offer new treatment hopes for patients with small cell lung cancer.
New avenues for better treatment of small cell lung cancer
While conventional therapies have reached a plateau of efficacy in the treatment of small cell lung cancer, innovative treatments are currently being developed around the world. Targeted immunotherapies, targeted therapies, gene therapies and combinatorial treatments represent promising avenues for patients with this cancer.
