Temozolomide in combination with either veliparib or placebo in patients with relapsed-sensitive or refractory small-cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 15% (1) of new lung cancer cases. Conversely to the progresses in the field of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), therapeutic options have not improved in the recent decades. Platinum-etoposide chemotherapy remains the cornerstone for first line treatment, while topotecan is the only approved agent for recurrent or progressive SCLC (2). Despite the initial sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, responses are not durable, and patients develop tumor progression.