Cellular and molecular biology of small cell lung cancer: an overview

Although the incidence of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has declined during the past 30 years, it remains a frustrating disease to research and treat. Numerous attempts to enhance the anti-tumor effects of traditional chemotherapy for SCLC have not been successful. For any tumor to become cancerous, various genetic mutations and biologic alterations must occur in the cell that, when combined, render it a malignant neoplasm. New and novel therapies based on understanding these mechanisms of transformation are needed. Herein we provide an in-depth view of some of the genomic alterations in SCLC that have emerged as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.