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Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a disease that usually has a very aggressive course with approximately 60% to 70% of patients already exhibiting extensive-stage disease at the time of diagnosis. It has been estimated that about 60% to 90% of patients with limited-stage SCLC initially respond to first-line therapy with about 40% to 70% achieving a complete response. Recurrence rates, however, are high with median survival rates ranging from 12 to 20 months and only about 6% to 12% of patients surviving beyond 5-years.

Although 40% to 70% of patients with extensive-stage SCLC also respond initially to first-line therapy, the median survival rate is only 7 to 11 months with less than 5% of patients living beyond 2 years. Due to the high rate of recurrence of SCLC after first-line therapy, many patients are potentially candidates for additional therapy. The success of second-line chemotherapy for recurrent SCLC, however, is usually short-lived with median survival rates of 6 months or less after initiation of second-line treatment.

It should be emphasized that the prognosis for individuals with SCLC is variable and depends upon a variety of factors. Patients and their families should be encouraged to discuss the individual prognostic factors with their oncologist.