Hi@ohiogal8860,
I am a 85 year old male and I was diagnosed with SCLC/high-grade neuroendocrine tumor in the upper right lung. The mass measured 10x10x6.7 cm. There was also indication of malignancy in the lower left and lower right nodules. After an initial consultation with a medical oncology doctor the prognosis was not very good and was told that I must begin treatment immediately if I was to survive for more that few months at best. Surgery was not an option due to my age and the size and location of the tumor. However I did not have any other health issues and was in good physical condition. I began chemotherapy on May 24, 2024 on a 21 day cycle. I was given Carboplatin and Atezolizumab by infusion with Etoposide orally. I completed four cycles with these drugs. While I was receiving the treatments my oncology doctor recommended clinical trial drug that he had been researching and I was lucky to be accepted as one of six participants in Phase One of a clinical trial of Quaratusugene Ozeplasmid and Atezolizumab Maintenance therapy in patients with extensive stage SCLC. I began treatments on a 21 day cycle Sept. 9, 2024. I have now completed 20 treatment cycles with CT scans after every second session. The tumor has been reduced to 6.6 x 2.6 cm after chemo and the first two sessions with the trial drug. All of the CT scans now show no increase in the size of the mass and the lower left and lower right nodules remain resolved/non-measurable. I am the only patient still receiving the lower phase one dosage and the sponsor is continuing to pay for the trial drug. My insurance covers the immunotherapy drug and the administration of it. I experienced some side effects from the chemo and the first few sessions of the trial drug such as high fever, chills, increased pulse rate for the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Now I do not have those side effects but continue to tire very easily and do not feel so great for two weeks after treatment.
I know that all cases are different but I hope your husband will find some relief and hope for a maintenance program for him. The American Lung Cancer Associaiton as well as Mayo has listings of clinical trials.