Author: Schmittel, Alexander

Source: Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy, Volume 11, Number 4, April 2011 , pp. 631-637(7)

Publisher: Expert Reviews

Abstract:

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) recurs in the majority of patients, even though most patients respond to first-line therapy. Therefore second-line therapy is considered in almost all patients with SCLC in the course of disease. Efficacy of second-line chemotherapy is much lower than that of first-line treatment, but it can provide significant palliation and prolongation of survival for many patients. Patients receiving second-line therapy are divided into relapsed and refractory patients. Relapsed disease is defined as relapse or progression at least 3 months after the end of first-line therapy. All other situations, including a treatment-free interval <3 months or no response to first-line therapy, are termed refractory disease. The benefit from second-line chemotherapy is highest in patients with relapsed disease. Topotecan monotherapy improves survival and quality of life, as well as cancer-related symptoms in the second-line setting. Alternatively, doxorubicin-based combination therapy can be administered with a similar outcome but a slightly lower rate of symptom control. In refractory patients no standard therapy exists. Amrubicin, a novel anthracyline, showed promising activity in refractory and relapsed patients. Phase III trials are ongoing. Other agents with activity include irinotecan, paclitaxel, docetaxel, gemcitabine, bendamustine and vinorelbine.

Keywords: amrubicin; refractory disease; relapsed disease; SCLC; second line; topotecan

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/era.11.7

Affiliations: 1: Aerzteforum Seestrasse, Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum, Hematology, Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Seestrasse 64, 13347 Berlin, Germany., Email: alexander.schmittel@googlemail.com

Publication date: 2011-04-01

More about this publication?

• Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy provides expert appraisal and commentary on the major trends in cancer care and highlights the performance of new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Information for Advertisers
• Terms & Conditions
• Information for Librarians
• Free Trials
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Oncology ,  Pharmacology
• By this author: Schmittel, Alexander

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers