The treatment landscape for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is continually evolving, thanks to ongoing research to improve outcomes and effective therapies. Combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy remains the standard approach, with clinical trials playing a vital role in discovering new options. Dr. Carl Gay from MD Anderson Cancer Center joined GO2’s March Living Room to explain the treatment landscape for SCLC and how far we have come.  

Speakers:    
  • Carl M. Gay, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Thoracic-Head & Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Danielle Hicks, Chief Patient Officer, GO2 for Lung Cancer 
Discussed in this episode:     
  • Staging for SCLC is typically considered a limited stage, which indicates that the cancer has not spread far beyond 1 lung, and an extensive stage, which indicates that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
  • Immunotherapy treatments are approved for SCLC based on stage.
  • Checkpoint inhibitors block the cancer cell’s ability to hide from your immune system. These inhibitors allow your immune system to better find and attack the cancer. Read more about checkpoint inhibitors, PD-1/PDL-1 checkpoints, and immunotherapy treatments approved by the FDA for small-cell lung cancer.
  • T-cell engagers are a type of cancer treatment that connects T-cells (a type of immune cells) to cancer cells. This connection helps the immune system to better respond to and attack cancer.
  • Imfinzi (durvalumab) was recently approved as a first-line therapy for limited-stage SCLC. The recent approval is based on the results of the ADRIATIC study.
  • Our free comprehensive handbook provides detailed SCLC information ranging from diagnosis to treatment, managing side effects, addressing quality of life, and so much more.
  • Our HelpLine team can help you learn more about SCLC and clinical trials. Call 800-298-2436 or email support@go2.org to connect.
  • Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with SCLC? Please complete our SCLC survey to help improve our services for caregivers and patients.

Please join us on April 15 at 5:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. ET for the next Lung Cancer Living Room® on “Precision Oncology and What It Means for You.” Join in person at our San Carlos, CA office or watch on YouTube Live.

For more information on the Living Room, other GO2 for Lung Cancer programs, or support through diagnosis and treatment, please contact GO2’s HelpLine at 1-800-298-2436 or email support@go2.org.   

You can now receive text reminders about upcoming Living Room events by texting the word “LivingRoom” to 844-871-7558.