Transformation from Non-Small Cell to Small Cell carcinoma

Posted by mimicmckay @mimicmckay, Oct 3, 2025

Has anyone experienced stage IV NON-small cell carcinoma transforming to SMALL cell carcinoma? I received 4 cycles of chemo with Carboplatin and Pemetrexid then maintenance Pemetrexid for the NSCLC. Recent scans showed tumor progression to lung and liver. Liver biopsy showed my cancer had changed from non-small cell to small cell. I didn’t know that was possible. I’ll be starting 6 cycles of Cisplatin + Etoposide next week. My understanding is there are very limited treatment options for small cell carcinoma. Any experience or information you could share would be greatly appreciated.

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Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Oct 6, 2025

@mimicmckay, This is a new challenge for you and your care team. I'm sorry that you are facing this so soon. Am I correct that this change from NSCLC to Small cell happened just this year?

denzie | @denzie | Oct 6, 2025

There is a small group of patients on Facebook with a private page. It is called NSCLC with SCLC Transformation. If you join them, please consider sharing what you learn about it here. It will help others looking for hope and answers.
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17FjXTvvpG/

mimicmckay | @mimicmckay | Oct 6, 2025

In reply to @denzie "There is a small group of patients on Facebook with a private page. It is called..." + (show)

@denzie Thank you! I signed up so hopefully they will let me in soon.

mimicmckay | @mimicmckay | Oct 6, 2025

In reply to @lls8000 "@mimicmckay, This is a new challenge for you and your care team. I'm sorry that you..." + (show)

@lls8000 Yes, unfortunately. My first round of chemo started on 1/27/25. Scans showed continued “complete suppression “ as of June. But my August scan showed disease progression to the liver and lung. A liver biopsy showed the transformation. I didn’t even know that could happen. Needless to say I am learning A LOT lately.

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Feb 8 4:06pm

@mimicmckay , I heard an interesting discussion today about transformation from NSCLC to SCLC. There's always more to learn in this realm!
Maybe you have had exposure to this content already, but I found it interesting. The Doctor that hosts is a trusted source from the University of Colorado Cancer Center:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cracking-cancer-podcast/id1797639992

mimicmckay | @mimicmckay | Feb 9 3:57am

In reply to @lls8000 "@mimicmckay , I heard an interesting discussion today about transformation from NSCLC to SCLC. There's always..." + (show)

@lls8000 thank you! I’ll take a listen.

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