How effective is immunotherapy for treating SCLC?
According to a 2018 study and a 2020 review, there are different types of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy that are effective as a first-line treatment for SCLC.
Another 2020 review, showed that first-line combination treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor drug (atezolizumab or durvalumab) and chemotherapy improved the chances of recovery and quality of life for extensive stage SCLC.
However, immune checkpoint inhibitors do not work for everyone. For them to be effective, tumors must have T cells mutate and not allow T cells to penetrate. Immune checkpoint inhibitors may not work if this happens.
If you have certain autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis [8], Crohn’s disease [9], or lupus, immunotherapy drugs may not be right for you.
To determine the best treatment plan for you, your doctor will ensure to consider all your conditions.