Management of patients with extensive small-cell lung cancer in the immunotherapy era: an Italian consensus through a Delphi approach

Background Immunotherapy represented a turning point for treating extensive small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Although, many issues remain debated. Methods A group of Italian medical and radiation oncologists with expertise in managing patients with ES-SCLC developed a list of statements divided in six areas of interest. The Delphi method was used to assess the consensus on the defined list of statements. Results 32 statements were included in the final list to be voted by the Delphi panel, and 26 reached a consensus on the agreement. A prompt involvement of a multidisciplinary team is a priority to provide an integrated treatment strategy. First-line recommended treatment is immunotherapy in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy and etoposide for four cycles followed by maintenance immunotherapy. Conclusions While awaiting new data from clinical trials and real-world studies, these recommendations can represent a useful tool to guide the management of ES-SCLC patients in daily practice.