Clinical and molecular features of small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Small cell lung cancer is a common malignancy found in smokers. It has a poor long-term prognosis despite initial sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation. The clinical features of small cell lung cancer are unique among lung cancers and other neuroendocrine tumors. In order to better understand the pathogenesis of small cell lung cancer, there has been a great effort to identify the genetic alterations involved in the development and progression of the disease, and to translate these to novel molecular strategies for treatment. ©2002 Landes Bioscience.