Basic science of small cell lung cancer.

The unique phenotype expressed by small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells is responsible for the distinct clinical behavior of SCLC. Basic research of SCLC is aimed at identifying and characterizing the unique attributes of SCLC cells that distinguish SCLC from other forms of lung cancer and contribute to the malignant behavior of SCLC. This article summarizes recent scientific advances in this area. Specific issues which are addressed include our current understanding of how SCLC arises, the origin and consequences of the neuroendocrine phenotype expressed by SCLC cells, and the role of SCLC adhesion molecules in SCLC metastasis.