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A case report on chemotherapy-free treatment for small cell lung cancer

Published on Aug. 25, 2025Total Views: 26 timesTotal Downloads: 7 timesDownloadMobile

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Keywords: Small cell lung cancer Chemotherapy-free Radiotherapy Immunotherapy Targeted therapy

DOI: 10.12173/j.issn.1004-5511.202502102

Reference: Xue JY, Wang Y, Zhou FX. A case report on chemotherapy-free treatment for small cell lung cancer[J]. Yixue Xinzhi Zazhi, 2025, 35(8): 974-979. DOI: 10.12173/j.issn.1004-5511.202502102. [Article in Chinese]

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Abstract

he standard treatment regimen for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) relies on platinum-based systemic chemotherapy. However, its high toxicity and limited long-term efficacy have driven clinical researchers to explore chemotherapy-free or de-chemotherapy strategies. This case reports an elderly patient with limited-stage SCLC who achieved sustained partial response (PR) without receiving systemic chemotherapy. The patient underwent staged hypofractionated radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy (sintilimab) and targeted therapy (surufatinib), resulting in a disease-free survival of 11 months without significant toxic side effects. This case highlights the potential advantages of a chemotherapy-free approach in SCLC treatment and provides valuable clinical insights into optimizing therapeutic strategies for enhanced efficacy with reduced toxicity.

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References

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