An example of long-term remission in oligorecurrent relapsed small-cell lung cancer, following single modality radiation therapy

Limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) is treated with curative intent; however, relapses are common. Relapsed disease is typically treated with systemic therapy with palliative intent. However, some patients with oligorecurrent presentation may benefit from aggressive local therapy with a potential chance of long-term remission. In this case report, we review the case of a patient diagnosed with LS-SCLC after a thorough diagnostic and staging workup. She received 4 cycles of systemic chemotherapy, along with concurrent radiation therapy, followed by prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). Unfortunately, she developed two small metachronous brain metastases, 3 months and 12 months after PCI. Given no other disease activity on CT and subsequent positron emission tomography, she received stereotactic radiosurgery without systemic therapy. She remains in remission for >3 years with no evidence of disease without any need for ongoing active systemic therapy.