scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Why does small cell lung cancer spread faster than non small cell lung cancer? 


Best insight from top research papers

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) spreads faster than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) due to various factors. SCLC is characterized by a high rate of proliferation, early metastasis, and poor prognosis. The aggressive and metastatic phenotype of SCLC is attributed to evading natural killer (NK) surveillance, leading to reduced NK-cell recognition through loss of NK-activating ligands. Additionally, SCLC exhibits epigenetic silencing of NK-cell activating ligands, hindering immune surveillance and promoting metastasis. In contrast, NSCLC, which constitutes 85% of lung cancers, has a different molecular profile and slower progression. The distinct genetic alterations, such as inactivation of tumor suppressor genes like RB1 and TP53 in SCLC, contribute to its rapid spread. Overall, the unique molecular features and immune evasion mechanisms in SCLC contribute to its faster spread compared to NSCLC.

Answers from top 5 papers

More filters
Papers (5)Insight
Open access
Shane B. Clark, Saud Alsubait 
09 Sep 2021
1 Citations
Not addressed in the paper.
Not addressed in the paper.
Not addressed in the paper.
Small cell lung cancer spreads faster due to evasion of innate immunity, specifically through reduced NK-cell recognition by loss of NKG2DL, leading to aggressive behavior and metastasis.
Small-cell lung cancer spreads faster due to its unstable genome, rapid progression, and enhanced angiogenesis, leading to early metastasis, unlike non-small-cell lung cancer.

Related Questions

Why non-smokers lung carcinoma have an increase G to A transition mutation on p53?4 answersNon-smokers with lung carcinoma exhibit an increased G to A transition mutation on p53 due to various factors. Studies have shown that TP53 mutations are prevalent in lung cancers, with different mutation patterns observed based on histological subtypes and smoking history. Additionally, occupational exposure to nickel compounds, linked to lung cancer, can lead to higher p53 mutation rates due to DNA repair inhibition by nickel, especially in non-smokers. Furthermore, specific p53 variants like rs1614984 have been associated with smoking-related cancers, indicating a potential predisposition to lung diseases, including cancer, in smokers. These findings collectively suggest that genetic differences, exposure to carcinogens like nickel, and specific p53 variants contribute to the increased G to A transition mutation on p53 in non-smokers with lung carcinoma.
Why does small cell lung cancer deadly even though response to chemotherapy?5 answersSmall cell lung cancer (SCLC) is deadly despite its initial response to chemotherapy due to factors like rapid growth, early metastasis, and chemoresistance. Chemotherapy resistance mechanisms in SCLC are complex, involving various events triggering resistance phenotypes. Patients often relapse rapidly after an initial good response to chemotherapy, leading to poor survival rates. Novel cytotoxic agents are needed to combat chemoresistance and improve outcomes in advanced SCLC. Studies have shown differences in somatic mutational signatures and genome instability between chemorefractory and chemosensitive SCLC patients, influencing treatment decisions and prognosis. Administering personalized treatment plans based on predictive classifiers may help improve outcomes by identifying chemosensitive patients and tailoring therapies accordingly.
What is the commonest lung cancer in non smokers?5 answersAdenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer among non-smokers. This histological subtype is predominant in non-smokers, while squamous and small cell histologies are more commonly found among smokers. Non-smokers diagnosed with lung cancer tend to experience disease onset at a younger age and are more likely to present with metastasis. Furthermore, non-smokers have a higher frequency of EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements compared to smokers, making them a targetable group with better survival rates. Despite the primary association of lung cancer with smoking, the rise in lung cancer cases among non-smokers is a concerning trend, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the unique characteristics and risk factors associated with lung cancer in this population.
What is non small cell lung cancer?4 answersNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for the majority of cases. It includes different histological entities such as adenocarcinoma, squamous carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. NSCLC is a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide due to its high incidence and mortality rates. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to limited life expectancy and poor prognosis. Molecular markers have been identified, allowing for the development of targeted therapies that have improved outcomes for selected patients. However, the management of NSCLC still faces limitations. Histological transformation from NSCLC to small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been reported as a mechanism of treatment resistance, and the cell of origin for both NSCLC and SCLC is still under investigation. Intestinal flora imbalance has also been linked to NSCLC, but the specific mechanism is not yet clear.
How fast does metastatic bladder cancer spread?10 answers
How fast does metastatic lung cancer spread in dogs?10 answers

See what other people are reading

Is there any case report of tp53 (R248Q) mutation associated with adrenocortical carcinoma?
5 answers
Yes, there are reported cases of TP53 mutations associated with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Specifically, a case study identified a TP53-G245C mutation in the germline, primary ACC, and xenograft tumor. Additionally, another case study highlighted a 77-year-old man with ACC harboring TP53 mutations in both sarcomatoid and non-sarcomatoid components, which may have influenced the tumor's evolution. Furthermore, a case report discussed a 4-year-old female patient with ACC presenting with various symptoms, including a left supra-renal mass invading the inferior vena cava, emphasizing the aggressive nature of ACC and the importance of early detection. These cases underscore the significance of TP53 mutations in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of adrenocortical carcinoma.
Is KLK6 assoacited with cancer?
5 answers
KLK6 is indeed associated with cancer. Research indicates that KLK6 is significantly upregulated in pancreatic tumors compared to normal pancreatic tissue, impacting patient survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Moreover, KLK6 plays a crucial role in tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma and lung carcinoma, acting as a molecular link between cancer cells and macrophages. In bladder urothelial carcinoma, high KLK6 expression correlates with poor prognosis, suggesting it as an independent prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target. Additionally, in metastatic breast cancer, KLK6 is silenced through hypermethylation, with its re-expression inhibiting tumor progression and promoting a less malignant phenotype. Therefore, KLK6's involvement in various cancers underscores its significance as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer research.
What is a liquid biosy and what are the advantages and the challenges of liquid biopsy?
5 answers
A liquid biopsy is a non-invasive procedure that involves analyzing various biomarkers present in bodily fluids to detect tumor markers. It includes the examination of circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, and other products released by tumors into the bloodstream. Liquid biopsy provides real-time information on tumor development, treatment targets, and therapy resistance, aiding in detection, risk assessment, treatment monitoring, and relapse detection for various solid tumors. The advantages of liquid biopsy lie in its ability to offer personalized treatment options, real-time monitoring, and the detection of genetic variations suitable for therapy monitoring and prognosis estimation. However, challenges include the need for further research to overcome obstacles and implement liquid biopsy in routine clinical practice effectively.
What is the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas?
5 answers
The incidence of primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the pancreas is rare, ranging from 0.5% to 5% of all pancreatic malignancies. This form of pancreatic cancer is particularly challenging due to its scarcity and lack of well-understood diagnostic and treatment protocols. Primary SCC of the pancreas is typically diagnosed after excluding other primary sources of the tumor and confirming the absence of a glandular component. The prognosis for patients with SCC of the pancreas is generally poor, with a median overall survival time ranging from 6 to 12 months and a 5-year survival rate estimated at around 10%. Surgical resection is considered the only potentially curative treatment for SCC of the pancreas, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.
What are the long-term outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with CAPOX (nCT) compared to chemoradiotherapy (nCRT)?
4 answers
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with CAPOX (nCT) shows comparable efficacy to chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) with uninvolved mesorectal fascia. Studies indicate that nCT achieves similar rates of pathological complete response (pCR) and downstaging as nCRT. Additionally, nCT is associated with lower perioperative distant metastasis and preventive ileostomy rates compared to nCRT, suggesting potential benefits in reducing complications. Long-term follow-up is essential to confirm these findings, but the data supports CAPOX as an effective alternative to neoadjuvant therapy in LARC with uninvolved MRF. These results highlight the promising outcomes of nCT with CAPOX in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer.
What is the most common colon cancer cell lines?
5 answers
The most common colon cancer cell lines include SNU-1566, SNU-1983, SNU-2172, SNU-2297, SNU-2303, SNU-2353B, SNU-2359, SNU-2373B, SNU-2407, SNU-2423, SNU-2431, SNU-2465, SNU-2493, SNU-2536C, SNU-2621B, SNU-NCC-61, SNU-NCC-376, and SNU-NCC-377, which were established from Korean patients. These cell lines are valuable for studying the biology of colorectal cancer (CRC) and investigating gene alterations associated with CRC. Additionally, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) derived from patients with metastatic colorectal cancer can also be used to study the disease. Nine CTC lines displayed an intermediate epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype, stem-cell like characteristics, and the capacity to escape from the immune system. These cell lines provide insights into treatment-resistant CTC clones with distinct phenotypic characteristics selected over time.
How many cancer patients were treated with which therapy in stage 1, and what were the outcomes?
5 answers
In stage 1, a total of 42 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were treated with passive scattering proton beam therapy using stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) or hypofractionated radiation therapy (RT). Additionally, a study included 10 patients with unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-ESCC) who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with endostar and envafolimab. Furthermore, another research involved 53 patients with early-stage NSCLC who underwent stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Moreover, a retrospective review of 228 patients with advanced solid tumors treated with immune therapy (IT) within Phase 1 clinical trials showed promising outcomes, with a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 3.5 months and a median overall survival (mOS) of 9.8 months. Lastly, a study on 104 patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors receiving IT within Phase 1 clinical trials reported a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 2.7 months and a median overall survival (mOS) of 8.6 months.
What are the current classification systems for rare tumors?
5 answers
Rare tumors are classified based on incidence rates and histology. In Europe, rare cancers have an incidence of less than six cases per 100,000 persons annually, constituting about 22% of all cancer diagnoses. The US National Cancer Institute defines rare cancers as those with an incidence of less than 15 cases per 100,000 per year. For pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), the WHO 2004 and 2010 classification systems are used to predict mortality and metastasis, with higher grades associated with increased mortality. In the case of malignant embryonal brain tumors (EBTs), evolving molecular markers have improved diagnostic classification, particularly for rare EBTs with newly recognized alterations like C19MC and CNS-PNET. Additionally, genetic profiling through next-generation sequencing is proposed to stratify rare cancers for targeted therapies.
How microbiome can promote the cancer cell development?
5 answers
The microbiome can promote cancer cell development through various mechanisms. Firstly, alterations in the gut microbiome can lead to increased inflammation, which in turn can accelerate the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, intratumoral microbial components have been found to be closely correlated with cancer initiation and progression, affecting DNA mutations, activating carcinogenic pathways, promoting chronic inflammation, and initiating metastasis. Moreover, dysbiosis in the gut microbiome has been shown to foster lung cancer development by promoting immunosuppression, potentially through gut microbiota-immune system crosstalk. These interactions between the microbiome and cancer cells can influence physiological processes, disease progression, and treatment responses, highlighting the significant impact of the microbiome on cancer development and progression.
Why make a isolation platform for ctDNA and not CTCs?
5 answers
Isolating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is crucial for cancer diagnosis and treatment, but challenges like low efficiency and viability hinder clinical applications. In contrast, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) isolation platforms are developed due to the ease of accessing genetic information from cell-free DNA, aiding in personalized cancer therapy. CtDNA analysis provides insights into tumor heterogeneity, early detection, and monitoring treatment response. CtDNA platforms offer advantages like high recovery rates, purification, and rapid processing, making them valuable for precision cancer management. While CTC isolation remains essential, ctDNA platforms excel in providing genetic information crucial for personalized medicine, driving their development and use in clinical settings.
How can the chance of breast cancer metastasis to the lungs be minimized?
5 answers
To minimize the chance of breast cancer metastasis to the lungs, several key strategies can be implemented. Firstly, for patients with isolated, completely resectable pulmonary nodules and definite functional operability, lung metastasis resection following primary tumor resection can significantly improve survival rates. Secondly, accurate identification of the primary origin of tumors through immunohistochemistry is crucial to differentiate between primary breast cancer and metastases, guiding appropriate treatment decisions. Additionally, understanding the complex process of metastasis and the organ-specific tendencies of breast cancer cells can aid in developing targeted therapies to prevent lung metastasis. Lastly, utilizing advanced assessment kits that analyze specific gene expressions can help assess the risk of relapse and far-end metastasis, enabling tailored treatment plans to minimize metastatic spread.