Optimizing SCLC Outcomes with Early Action

Federico Albrecht, MD, oncologist/hematologist at Miami Cancer Institute of Baptist Health South Florida, discusses Miami Cancer Institute's specific protocol for hospitalized patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Early intervention is key when combating the systemic nature of SCLC. Albrecht explains that at Miami Cancer Institute, clinicians avoid delays in starting systemic therapy, ideally by starting the first cycle of chemotherapy concurrently with radiation therapy for maximum survival benefits. With timely chemotherapy initiation and prompt completion of radiation therapy, patients often are faced with a better chance of achieving favorable outcomes.

In this video, Albrecht emphasizes the commitment to aggressive and coordinated treatment to combat SCLC at the Miami Cancer Institute.

Transcription:

0:09 | Given that the small cell carcinoma is a systemic disease, early initiation of systemic therapy holds an immense importance. We strongly emphasize the need to avoid any delays in systemic therapy. For example, to accommodate the start of radiation therapy, we ideally start the first cycle of chemotherapy as soon as possible. However, we have to realize that we cannot delay radiation therapy too much.

0:42 | Multiple studies have shown that early concurrent chemoradiation therapy offers significant survival benefits compared with delaying the status of traditional surgery. In small cell lung cancer, there are 2 crucial factors that significantly impact the treatment outcomes. One is the timely initiation of systemic chemotherapy and the second is the prompt completion of radiation therapy. These 2 factors act as risk modifiers, emphasizing the importance in achieving a favorable result.

1:22 | At Miami Cancer Institute, we have a protocol that prioritizes the initiation of treatment for hospitalized patients. Under this protocol, the patients that are hospitalized will start cycle number 1 as soon as the diagnosis is made in the hospital, even before the discharge. Prior, they get a radiation oncology appointment or a radiation oncology consultation.