Cancers, Vol. 11, Pages 1570: Technological and Therapeutic Advances in Advanced Small Cell Lung Cancer

Cancers, Vol. 11, Pages 1570: Technological and Therapeutic Advances in Advanced Small Cell Lung Cancer Cancers doi: 10.3390/cancers11101570 Authors: Lum Alamgeer Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 10–15% of all lung cancers. The prognosis is poor with median survival in the advanced stage remaining at around 12 months. Despite applying every known therapeutic approach, no major breakthrough has improved the overall survival in the last 30 years. Historically, experiments performed on conventional cell lines may have limitations of not accurately reflecting the complex biological and genomic heterogeneity of this disease. However, additional knowledge gained from recently developed genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and patient derived xenografts (PDXs) have made encouraging inroads. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data reveals a high mutational burden and a number of genetic alterations but low frequency of targetable mutations. Despite several failures, considerable therapeutic opportunities have recently emerged. Potentially promising therapies include those targeting DNA damage repair, stem cell/renewal and drug resistant mechanisms. Modest success has also been achieved with immune checkpoint inhibitors while therapeutic exploration of various other components of the immune system is underway. However, the complex heterogeneities reflect the need for accurate bio-markers to translate novel discoveries into clinical b...
Source: Cancers - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research