Outlook

The success of treatment depends on the stage of small-cell lung cancer.

In approximately 65-70% of persons with small-cell lung cancer, the disease has already spread to other organs of the body by the time small-cell lung cancer is diagnosed.

Persons with small-cell lung cancer in the advanced stage cannot be cured. They usually survive less than 1 year.

Treatment may be moderately successful for persons with limited-stage disease. However, even with limited-stage disease, the median survival time is less than 2 years.