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Treatment Options for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation for Small Cell Lung Cancer
It has been estimated that patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) have about a 50% to 60% risk for developing spread of their lung cancer to the brain (brain metastases). In order to reduce the risk of brain metastases, it is recommended that patients with small cell lung cancer, either limited-stage disease or extensive-stage disease, undergo prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI).
Prophylactic cranial irradiation involves administering radiation therapy to the head area in order to reduce the risk of cancer spreading to the brain. Clinical trials have demonstrated that PCI reduces the risk of brain metastases by approximately 50% and results in a modest (5%) but significant improvement in the 3-year survival rate for patients with small cell lung cancer. Currently, PCI is recommended for both patients with limited-stage and extensive-stage SCLC who have achieved complete remission following first-line treatment with chemotherapy and/or thoracic radiation therapy.
