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Limited stage small cell lung cancer

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Opinion statement

The management of limited stage small cell lung cancer begins with a firm pathologic diagnosis and careful staging. Patients with adequate pulmonary function, ambulatory performance status, and no evidence of metastatic disease outside a “tolerable” local radiotherapy volume should have consultation from both medical and radiation oncology disciplines for planning of integrated therapy. The chemotherapy prescription recommended is cisplatin plus etoposide at standard doses for four chemotherapy cycles. Thoracic irradiation should be administered concurrently with the first or second cycle of cisplatin and etoposide. Patients with complete response and excellent partial response should receive prophylactic cranial irradiation after completion of all chemotherapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. British Columbia Cancer Agency, 600 West 10th Avenue, V5Z 4E6, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Nevin Murray MD, FRCPC & Finbarr Sheehan MB, FRCPC

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  1. Nevin Murray MD, FRCPC
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  2. Finbarr Sheehan MB, FRCPC
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Murray, N., Sheehan, F. Limited stage small cell lung cancer. Curr. Treat. Options in Oncol. 2, 63–70 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11864-001-0017-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11864-001-0017-5

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