At Blue Ridge Cancer Care, our medical and radiation oncologists develop personalized small cell lung cancer treatment plans in patient-friendly cancer centers throughout Southwest Virginia, including Roanoke, Salem, Blacksburg, Pulaski, Wytheville, Rocky Mount, Lexington, Bedford, Princeton, Fairlea, and Low Moor. We’re here to guide you through the lung cancer treatment process without the added stress of navigating a large hospital system.
In addition to the most advanced lung cancer treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, we also offer access to clinical trials, which provide access to emerging treatment options.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Treatments
Small cell lung cancer is fast-growing and often spreads before it's diagnosed. Because of this, it’s typically treated with medical oncology treatments rather than surgery or radiation therapy. Extensive clinical research is underway to find new ways to treat SCLC effectively.
Chemotherapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for both limited and extensive-stage SCLC. It can shrink tumors quickly and relieve symptoms.
For limited-stage disease, chemotherapy is often combined with radiation to the chest. In extensive-stage disease, chemotherapy is the primary treatment because the cancer has spread outside of the area where it started.
Radiation Therapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer
For limited-stage SCLC, radiation therapy can be used in combination with chemotherapy. However, radiation plays a more limited role in treating extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. It can be used to:
- Prevent spread to the brain in patients who respond well to initial therapy. This is called prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI)
- Treat brain metastases
- Relieve symptoms like bone pain or difficulty breathing
Our radiation oncologists use highly advanced external beam radiation therapy technology to precisely treat each patient.
Immunotherapy: Now an Option for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Recent studies have added immunotherapy to the treatment options for small cell lung cancer. When combined with chemotherapy in extensive-stage SCLC, immunotherapy can extend survival.
Checkpoint inhibitors are approved for use with first-line chemotherapy and are now part of standard care for many patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.
Surgery
Surgery is rarely used for SCLC due to its rapid spread. However, it may be considered in very early-stage cases when the tumor is localized, followed by chemotherapy to treat any undetected cells.
Access Clinical Research Trials for Lung Cancer in Southwest Virginia
As one of the largest and most active clinical research programs in the region, we provide cancer patients access to the latest therapies and treatment options. We partner with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) to bring research trials evaluating new and drug combinations that effectively treat lung cancer.
Your oncologist will discuss whether a clinical trial is right for you.
Why Choose Blue Ridge Cancer Care for Lung Cancer Treatment?
Patients across Southwest Virginia have chosen Blue Ridge Cancer Care for fifty years for our unmatched combination of:
- Leading-edge lung cancer treatments and personalized treatment plans
- Convenient locations in Roanoke, Salem, Blacksburg, and other cities in Southwest Virginia
- Access to clinical trials
- Lower treatment costs compared to hospitals
- A personalized approach from a compassionate team
You don’t have to travel far or pay more to get expert, comprehensive lung cancer treatment. At Blue Ridge Cancer Care, we’re by your side every step of the way.
