Abstract:Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma characterized by rapid growth and metastasis. Initial treatment with chemotherapy has demonstrated high sensitivity in SCLC patients, particularly platinum-based chemotherapy which significantly improves survival rates. However, the development of resistance to chemotherapy in most patients leads to a poor prognosis. In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a novel approach for treating SCLC by activating or enhancing the patient's immune system to recognize and target tumor cells. Nevertheless, understanding and overcoming mechanisms of chemoresistance and immunotherapy resistance remain crucial for guiding personalized clinical treatments. This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest research progress on chemical treatment, mechanisms underlying chemoresistance, and immunotherapy in SCLC patients while exploring therapeutic strategies post-resistance development to develop more effective intervention measures for this lethal disease.