• Feng Gao, Xiaofeng Cong, and Ziling Liu.
• Deparment of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, PR China.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Oct 2; 99 (40): e22637.

IntroductionSmall cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy that progresses rapidly and easily relapses. To the best of our knowledge, advances have been minimal for decades and the first-line treatment is still platinum-etoposide and radiotherapy. However, elderly patients with severe renal failure who suffer from SCLC usually show more serious drug-related side effects. A large proportion of them cannot tolerate the standard treatment, and their prognosis is poorer compared with that of younger patients. Presently, oral etoposide capsules may be accepted as a replaceable option. We report the case of a male patient with SCLC on hemodialysis who was successfully treated with concurrent oral etoposide monotherapy and radiotherapy and achieved excellent outcomes.Patient's ConcernsA 63-year-old man with severe renal failure was diagnosed with SCLC.Primary DiagnosesSCLC was diagnosed using transbronchial biopsy.InterventionsHe received concomitant single-agent oral etoposide (6 cycles) and local radiotherapy. Etoposide 100 mg once daily combined with thoracic radiation treatment (2 Gy/f, total DT: 50 Gy/25 f), was subsequently followed by prophylactic cranial irradiation plus anlotinib.OutcomesThe patient achieved complete response after 1 cycle and the subsequent treatment was effective without any kidney damage and other severe side effects.ConclusionThough etoposide capsule is an old drug, its use should be considered in SCLC patients with renal insufficiency undergoing hemodialysis. However, treatment guidelines and research data for such patients are still lacking and further studies are needed. Although recent research focuses mainly on new drugs, some old drugs like etoposide which can bring unexpected positive effects should not be neglected.

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