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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The progressive nature of Cancer-Associated LEMS SCLC and the challenges that diagnosing it can present make early symptom recognition critical for optimal patient care.16

Cancer-Associated LEMS SCLC is often suspected based on a clinical triad of signs and symptoms4,17:

  • Proximal muscle weakness
  • Autonomic symptoms (eg, dry mouth, impotence)
  • Hyporeflexia or areflexia

LEMS AND CANCER OFTEN GO HAND IN HAND

50%-60%

OF LEMS CASES ARE

ASSOCIATED

WITH CANCER4

  • Although most common with SCLC, LEMS may occur with other cancers6,18
  • Cancer-Associated LEMS SCLC predominantly affects men with a history of smoking who are 60 years of age or older5
  • Cancer-Associated LEMS SCLC symptoms may appear at the time of diagnosis or up to 5 years before18*
  • Patients with LEMS associated with SCLC often display a course that progresses more rapidly vs those with LEMS not associated with cancer5,12

40%-50%

OF LEMS CASES ARE

NOT ASSOCIATED

WITH CANCER4

  • Age of onset is typically 35-40 years of age with no gender difference4,5
  • Occurrence increases with other autoimmune disorders5
  • Progression/fluctuating symptoms may appear more slowly4
  • Similar life expectancy to that of a healthy individual of the same gender and age15

*Results from a multicenter study involving 133 patients with Cancer-Associated LEMS.18

Updated NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) recommend VGCC-Ab testing, preferably in consultation with neurology, in SCLC and suspected paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome19

“Neurologic workup, preferably in consultation with neurology, may include but not limited to tests for PQ- and N-type voltage gated calcium channel (VGCC) antibodies.”

In patients with LEMS “Consider amifampridine in consultation with neurology.”

From NCCN Guidelines®
Small Cell Lung Cancer Version 2.2026

Cancer-Associated LEMS SCLC diagnostic test available

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

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