Staging plays a pivotal role in determining the treatment approach for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), subsequently influencing the adverse events patients may encounter, according to Laura Sullivan, BSN, RN, a research study manager at the Rutgers Cancer Institute.
Sullivan emphasized, "The important thing to know is the staging of [the disease], whether it’s limited stage or extensive stage, and that really dictates the treatment plan." This knowledge allows nurses to focus on key aspects for patients, including potential side effects and their management.
Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
For patients with limited-stage SCLC (stages I-III), current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend treatment with radiation and chemotherapy, aiming for curative intent. The standard chemotherapy regimen often includes cisplatin and etoposide.
"If it is a patient with limited-stage disease, and they’re receiving cisplatin—which is typically the standard in addition to etoposide—the nephrotoxicity that comes with the drug is really important to manage," Sullivan noted.
To minimize kidney damage, patient education on adequate hydration is crucial, particularly before chemotherapy sessions. Intravenous fluids should also be administered alongside chemotherapy.
Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Extensive-stage SCLC (stage IV) indicates that the cancer has spread beyond a single radiation field, making a cure less likely. The primary goals for these patients are symptom control and life prolongation, as per NCCN guidelines.
The NCCN guidelines advise treating this patient group with dual chemotherapy—carboplatin or cisplatin combined with etoposide—along with a checkpoint inhibitor such as atezolizumab (Tecentriq) or durvalumab (Imfinzi), followed by maintenance therapy using the checkpoint inhibitor.
"These are drugs that their purpose is to really rev up the immune system. So it’s important to address things to look out for," Sullivan stated, highlighting cough as a common immunotherapy-related adverse event that patients should promptly report.
Sullivan urged patients to report symptoms early, emphasizing, "We reeducate the patient on how important to call if [anything] changes in their overall condition. The goal is to keep them out of the hospital, so if there are things that could be managed in the outpatient setting, it’s better for everybody."
Newer Treatment Options for Extensive-Stage Disease
A recent development is the FDA's approval of tarlatamab-dlle (Imdelltra) for extensive-stage SCLC that has progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy. This bispecific T-cell engager targets DLL3.
"Now to see an approved treatment for these patients is really exciting," Sullivan commented. She also noted the ongoing clinical trials evaluating novel agents to potentially offer further benefits to patients, either surpassing existing treatments or addressing unmet needs.
Sullivan encouraged nurses to discuss clinical trial options with patients from the time of diagnosis. "Start that conversation from the time of diagnosis about treatment options; the standard of care options are always in your back pocket if needed, but maybe upfront investigating a clinical trial to see if there's any benefit to the patient while the patient still feels relatively well enough to participate."
