ABOUT CANCER-ASSOCIATED LEMS SCLC

Progressive and debilitating, Cancer-Associated LEMS small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most common antibody-mediated neurologic paraneoplastic syndrome in SCLC.^4,5,8

Because of reduced acetylcholine (ACh) release from presynaptic motor nerve terminals, patients with Cancer-Associated LEMS SCLC experience severe muscle weakness and other symptoms.⁹

1. In patients with LEMS, autoantibodies target voltage-gated calcium channels on the presynaptic motor neuron, reducing calcium influx during an action potential⁹
2. Reduced intracellular calcium limits presynaptic vesicle fusion and release of ACh⁹
3. Disrupted ACh transmission results in decreased activation of receptors on the postsynaptic membrane⁹
4. Reduced ACh signaling results in diminished muscle fiber contraction and muscle weakness⁹

A simple, readily available, and affordable VGCC-Ab blood test, both P/Q and N types, can confirm a Cancer-Associated LEMS SCLC diagnosis^5,6

Request a test

A LARGE POPULATION GOES UNDIAGNOSED

Even though Cancer-Associated LEMS SCLC affects a small percentage of people with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a retrospective claims analysis suggests that >90% of Cancer-Associated LEMS SCLC cases may not receive a LEMS diagnosis.^5,10

*Based on retrospective US claims (2014-2022), SCLC was inferred using treatment proxies, and LEMS was identified through diagnosis codes. The observed diagnosis rate was 0.16% (0.19% sensitivity analysis). While US prevalence data is limited, historical non-US prospective studies estimate SCLC-LEMS as app. 3%-6%.¹⁰

LEMS presents with symptoms SCLC patients commonly experience, such as fatigue, weakness, and restricted mobility^11,12

• If you suspect LEMS in an SCLC patient, a VGCC-Ab test can help confirm the diagnosis^5,6,13
• SCLC patients with suspected LEMS pattern of weakness (either on chemotherapy or not) may benefit from VGCC testing^5,6,14

Symptoms of weakness may be caused by LEMS. If so, an FDA-approved therapy is available.^1,4

INCREASED LIFE EXPECTANCY

Patients with SCLC LEMS have longer median survival than those with SCLC alone.¹⁵

Median Survival¹⁵

Cancer-Associated LEMS SCLC diagnostic test available

A simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis of Cancer-Associated LEMS SCLC.⁵

Contact a representative

Request a Rep

Connect with a FIRDAPSE
representative.

Start Request

VGCC-Ab Test

Learn about an accurate test to confirm a
Cancer-Associated LEMS SCLC diagnosis.

Go to VGCC-Ab Test