A new understanding of the causes of could lead to more personalised treatments and lower mortality from this deadly disease.
In researchers at Hudson Institute led by have shown that SCLC can show significant differences depending on the type of cell it originated in.
According to Dr Gough, that suggests it is a series of diseases rather than being a single form of cancer – and that opens up new options for more personalised treatments.
Understanding the diversity of SCLC
Dr Gough said the lung is comprised of a diverse array of cell types and SCLC was thought to specifically occur in just one – the rare neuroendocrine cells (PNEC).
“Our study reveals that mutation of the common cancer gene MYC enables other lung cell types to form SCLC,” he said.
“Currently the survival rate from SCLC is extremely low, so understanding the diversity of this disease is key to designing new therapeutic strategies that will improve the lives of these patients.”
Personalised medicine based on specific vulnerabilities
Understanding the drivers of small cell lung cancer complexity will enable the development of new and effective therapies for a disease that is currently a death sentence.
In a hopeful sign for SCLC patients, Dr Gough said: “This opens up the possibility for personalised medicine based on specific vulnerabilities.”
Hudson Institute communications
t: + 61 3 8572 2697
