Which chemotherapy regimen is most commonly used for treating SCLC?

For the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the most commonly used chemotherapy regimen is a combination of cisplatin and etoposide. This combination has been established as a standard due to its efficacy in targeting the aggressive nature of SCLC, which typically presents as extensive disease at the time of diagnosis.

Cisplatin is a platinum-based drug that works by interfering with DNA replication in cancer cells, while etoposide is a topoisomerase inhibitor that also disrupts DNA synthesis. Together, they are particularly effective against SCLC, providing a significant impact on tumor response rates and overall survival.

The other regimens listed are utilized for different types of cancers. Cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin are more commonly used for breast cancer and certain lymphoma types. Carboplatin and paclitaxel are often utilized in non-small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer treatment. Gemcitabine and vinorelbine are utilized in various cancers, including breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer but are not the frontline treatment for SCLC. Hence, the combination of cisplatin and etoposide stands out as the primary choices in managing small cell lung cancer.