Small Cell Lung Cancer

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Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a challenging, aggressive cancer that comprises about 15% of all lung cancer cases. It is heavily associated with smoking and has often spread to other parts of the body at the time of diagnosis. Duke oncologists who specialize in small cell lung cancer personalize your treatment based on your small cell lung cancer tumor biology.

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Tests

Imaging

Imaging, such as CT or PET scans, can detect lung cancer tumors. Our board-certified radiologists use 3D scans, high-resolution cameras, and other advanced technologies to detect cancer at the earliest-possible stage. This allows us to find smaller cancers that are difficult to detect on traditional imaging machines. Scans are interpreted by Duke’s expert radiologists with special training in lung disease.

Biopsy

A small sample of the tumor or fluid is obtained through a tiny incision or a needle. The sample is tested to confirm a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer, and the extent to which it has spread. It may also be used for molecular testing, which analyzes the tumor’s genetic makeup. This is a minimally invasive approach that's usually done with a local anesthetic or conscious sedation.

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Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.

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Treatments

Surgery

Surgery to remove small cell lung cancer lesions may be an option in early-stage disease. Duke surgical oncologists take an aggressive approach to surgery, offering it to people with early-stage disease who other cancer centers may not consider to be candidates for surgery.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is nearly always used to treat small cell lung cancer, due to the disease’s tendency to spread rapidly. Duke medical oncologists give medication to help with side effects and a lot of supportive care, and we monitor your condition every time you receive treatment.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy takes advantage of your own immune system to help kill cancer cells. It has been shown to improve outcomes in small cell lung cancer.

Radiation

Radiation is commonly given along with chemotherapy to treat small cell lung cancer. Duke radiation oncologists are experts in using it to pinpoint and localize cell death while preserving healthy tissue.

Best Cancer Hospital in North Carolina

Where you receive your cancer care is important. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our cancer program is nationally ranked, and the highest-ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2025–2026.

Why Choose Duke

Expert, Team-Based Care
Because small cell lung cancer is so rare, less is known about how it behaves. That means that your care requires a team of specialists across disciplines with particular interest in understanding and treating SCLC. You’ll find that here at Duke. We bring together experts in surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, palliative care, nutrition, counseling, and more.

Access to Clinical Trials
Real progress has been made recently in the development of new therapies, which Duke has access to and expertise in administering. Through participation in clinical trials, you may be eligible for some of these therapies, especially if your cancer has come back and is not responding to chemotherapy.

Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis
In up to 80% percent of people with SCLC, the cancer will spread to their central nervous system. Duke’s Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis offers rapid access to the latest and most advanced options to treat these metastases, including many that are not available at other hospitals.

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866-385-3123

World-Class Research Program in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Duke actively conducts basic science research into small cell lung cancer, and our researchers work closely with our oncologists. We're not only on the cutting edge of treating patients today with the latest protocols, we’re also looking towards the future of how can we offer even better treatments down the road.

The Duke Cancer Institute
The Duke Cancer Institute brings together the extensive resources of Duke University, Duke Health, and the Duke Cancer Center. We are committed to making innovative discoveries, developing new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, and delivering those therapies in a patient- and family-centric way.

Support for You and Your Loved Ones
We know that treating cancer means treating the whole person -- body and mind -- not just the disease. Our comprehensive support services range from minimizing the side effects of treatment to coping with the emotional and psychological side effects of diagnosis and treatment.

Patient Resources

This page was medically reviewed on 07/24/2025 by

Laura Alder, MD | Medical Oncologist