A genome-wide scan of small cell lung cancers reveals an association between SOX2 gene amplification and aggressive disease. Overproduction of SOX2 proteins may ignite or sustain abnormal cell growth in the lung.
Cancer biologists have pinpointed a gene that drives progression of small cell lung cancer, an aggressive form of lung cancer. Researchers found the gene to be overexpressed in both mouse and human lung tumors.
Researchers identified three microRNAs linked to chemoresistance in small cell lung cancer, affecting up to 15-30% of patients who are resistant to first-line therapy. The study provides new insights into predicting patient response to treatment and designing targeted therapies.
A Phase II study conducted by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has shown encouraging results in treating limited stage small cell lung cancer with a combination of accelerated high-dose radiotherapy and chemotherapy, achieving a high level of control of the disease while minimizing damage to the esophagus.
Researchers found no evidence of improved survival with thalidomide treatment for small cell lung cancer. However, patients treated with thalidomide had a higher risk of thrombotic events.
A randomized controlled trial found that high-dose chemotherapy did not increase survival rates for patients with small cell lung cancer. Despite increased tumor shrinkage, the high-intensity approach was deemed ineffective and highly toxic.
Lilly Oncology will present data on three oncology agents, ALIMTA, GEMZAR, and enzastaurin, at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The company's studies focus on various types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer.
A clinical trial found that elderly patients with locally advanced limited stage small cell lung cancer can benefit from combined modality therapy, with similar two- and five-year survival rates compared to younger patients. However, severe pneumonitis was more common in the elderly group.
Researchers found that a paclitaxel combination improved median and long-term survival rates for patients with early-stage SCLC. The treatment also reduced side effects compared to standard chemotherapy.
A new treatment combining CPT-11 and cisplatin has shown superior results in prolonging survival for patients with small-cell lung cancer. Patients receiving this treatment had a 55% improvement in one-year survival and were four times more likely to be alive at two years.