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Limited-stage small-cell lung cancer — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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ModerateLung cancerLimited-stage small-cell lung cancerSCE Respiratory

A 63-year-old man presents with cough, weight loss and hyponatraemia. CT and biopsy confirm small-cell lung cancer confined to one hemithorax with ipsilateral mediastinal nodes, and PET-CT shows no distant metastases. Performance status is 1 and lung function is adequate. He has no symptoms of superior vena cava obstruction. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: E — Concurrent platinum-etoposide chemotherapy and thoracic radiotherapy

Limited-stage small-cell lung cancer in a fit patient is treated with combined chemotherapy and thoracic radiotherapy. Surgery is rarely appropriate and not the standard for typical node-positive SCLC. The key distinction is limited versus extensive stage and whether the patient can tolerate radical-intent treatment.

Reference: NICE NG122 Lung cancer; ESMO/ERS thoracic oncology guidance