What specific drugs are used for SCLC?
There are a few immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs that are approved by the FDA to treat SCLC.
Such as:
- atezolizumab (Tecentriq) [4]
- durvalumab (Imfinzi) [5]
However, your doctor may suggest other types of immunotherapy drugs. These may be used “off label” for SCLC. This is when a drug is used for a purpose other than what it is approved for.
Some other options that may be recommended Include:
- nivolumab (Opdivo)
- ipilimumab (Yervoy)
Immunotherapy drugs are recommended as first-line treatment for SCLC together with chemotherapy. If they prove effective, you can also use them for maintenance treatment.
Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of each treatment.