Clinical practice guideline for the management of small cell lung cancer: limited disease

Abstract

Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents 13-15% of all primary lung neoplasms and is characterized by rapid growth rate and development of distant metastases. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to guide and standardize the treatment of limited disease SCLC in Mexico based on national and international clinical evidence. Material and methods: This document was developed as a collaboration between the National Cancer Institute and the Mexican Society of Oncology in compliance with international standards. An interdisciplinary group was formed, including medical oncologists, oncological surgeons, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and methodologists with experience in systematic reviews of the literature and clinical practice guidelines. Results: Consensus recommendations were reached, both by the Delphi method and in remote meetings, for limited SCLC disease resulting from the same number of work questions. The scientific evidence that answers each of these clinical questions was identified and critically evaluated, before being incorporated into the body of evidence of the guide. Conclusion: This guide provides clinical recommendations for the management of limited disease SCLC to contribute to the decision-making process of the clinicians involved with its management in our country, hoping that this will contribute to improving the quality of clinical care in these patients.