| Extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) is a highly aggressive malignancy characterized by rapid progression, early metastatic dissemination, and dismal clinical outcomes. While conventional platinum-based chemotherapy regimens can provide initial disease control, long-term survival rates remain suboptimal. In recent years, the emergence of immunotherapy has revolutionized the therapeutic landscape for ES-SCLC. Currently, the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with platinum-etoposide chemotherapy has become the first-line standard treatment regimen for ES-SCLC. However, given the limited survival benefit achieved through the combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, the question of how to further enhance the efficacy of first-line treatment remains an urgent challenge that requires immediate attention. The aim of this review is to systematically summarize the current status, research advancements, and challenges associated with first-line immunotherapy for ES-SCLC, thereby providing a valuable reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. |
