Chemotherapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Chemotherapy (also called chemo) uses drugs to destroy or damage fast-growing cells like cancer cells. It is used to shrink tumors, slow cancer’s growth, relieve symptoms, or help people live longer. Chemotherapy drugs are given in different ways (intravenously, orally by a pill, or by injection).
These are the chemotherapy drugs that are used most often to treat small cell lung cancer (SCLC). New treatments become available all the time, so this may not be a complete list.
Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. It's important to discuss all potential side effects of a drug with your healthcare team. Be sure to tell your healthcare team about any side effects you do have.
All Available Treatments
Intravenous =
Pill =
Treatment Type
Alkylating Agents
Drug Names
Paraplat® (carboplatin) (IV)
Paraplatin® (carboplatin) (IV)
Platinol®-AQ (cisplatin) (IV)
Platinol® (cisplatin) (IV)
Temodar® (temozolomide) (Pill,IV)
Zepzelca® (lurbinectedin) (IV)
Potential Side Effects
Constipation
Cough
Diarrhea
Fatigue/weakness
Hair thinning/loss
Headache
Hearing changes
Joint pain/stiffness
Weight/appetite changes
Low blood counts
Nausea/vomiting
Muscle pain
Taste changes
Urinary, kidney, or bladder changes
Blood sugar changes
Important Things to Know
- Kidney problems are a possible side effect.
- Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
Treatment Type
Taxanes
Drug Names
Abraxane® (paclitaxel albumin, albumin-bound paclitaxel, nab-paclitaxel) (IV)
Taxol® (paclitaxel) (IV)
Potential Side Effects
Diarrhea
Fatigue/weakness
Fever
Swelling
Hair thinning/loss
Hearing changes
Joint pain/stiffness
Weight/appetite changes
Low blood counts
Mouth sores
Nausea/vomiting
Neuropathy
Muscle pain
Skin/nail changes
Adverse drug reaction
Urinary, kidney, or bladder changes
Important Things to Know
- Kidney problems are a possible side effect.
- Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
- Mouth sores are a potential side effect that can be painful and affect your oral intake. Speak to your provider about proactive management and an oral care regimen.
Treatment Type
Topoisomerase Inhibitors
Drug Names
Hycamtin® (topotecan hydrochloride) (Pill,IV)
Toposar® (etoposide) (Pill,IV)
VePesid® (etoposide) (Pill,IV)
Potential Severe Side Effects
Secondary cancer
Potential Side Effects
Diarrhea
Fertility issues
Hair thinning/loss
Low blood counts
Menopausal symptoms
Nausea/vomiting
Adverse drug reaction
Blood pressure changes
Important Things to Know
- Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
- Leukemia is a rare side effect.