LAUSR

Key Points Question What is the platinum agent of choice in treating small cell lung cancer (SCLC), cisplatin or carboplatin? Findings In this cohort study of 4408 patients at US Veteran Affairs hospitals, there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between those treated with carboplatin or cisplatin. For 2652 patients with extensive-stage SCLC, the median OS was 8.45 months for cisplatin and 8.51 months for carboplatin, and for 1756 patients with limited-stage SCLC, the median OS was 26.92 months for cisplatin and 25.58 months for carboplatin. Meaning These findings suggest that cisplatin is not associated with a survival advantage over carboplatin in either extensive-stage or limited-stage SCLC, but carboplatin use should be favored because of its favorable toxicity profile.