Sign Up
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome antibody testing and treatment recommendations added to NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines for small cell lung cancer – Catalyst Pharmaceuticals

Written by | 17 Aug 2025 | Oncology

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) now include new additions involving Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), amifampridine (Firdapse ) and the tests for PQ- and N-type voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) antibodies.

The updated NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for SCLC relating to LEMS now include symptom specificity—characterized by proximal muscle weakness and autonomic dysfunction. Under “Signs and Symptoms of Small Cell Lung Cancer” (SCL-A 2 of 2), the guidelines recommend diagnosis by a neurological evaluation, ideally in consultation with a neurologist, which may include testing for PQ- and N-type VGCC antibodies. Additionally, under “Principles of Supportive Care” (SCL-D), the guidelines recommend that amifampridine should be considered as a treatment in consultation with neurology.

Approximately 50 percent of LEMS cases are associated with an underlying malignancy, most commonly SCLC. Literature suggests that LEMS is observed in 3 percent of SCLC patients. Based on an internal healthcare database analysis of SCLC claims, potentially 90 percent of LEMS patients with SCLC went undiagnosed. These undiagnosed LEMS patients may suffer from LEMS symptoms while undergoing treatment for SCLC.

” Early diagnosis of LEMS in SCLC is critical, as it may enable patients to have better outcomes if their LEMS symptoms are effectively treated while fighting SCLC. Accurate identification through VGCC antibody testing and comprehensive neurological evaluation is essential,” said Dr. William Andrews, Chief Medical Officer, Catalyst. “The NCCN Guidelines are a trusted standard for guiding treatment decisions, and we believe this update will drive greater awareness. Ultimately, it will help patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers make more informed choices when addressing this serious unmet need.”

Newsletter Icon

Register for our mailing list

If you're a healthcare professional you can sign up to our mailing list to receive high quality medical, pharmaceutical and healthcare E-Mails and E-Journals. Get the latest news and information across a broad range of specialities delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign Up

You can unsubscribe at any time using the 'Unsubscribe' link at the bottom of all our E-Mails, E-Journals and publications.