Resolution of superior vena cava syndrome before (A) and after (B) combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy in a 66-year-old patient with extensive small-cell lung cancer diagnosed in November 2008, treated with 4 cycles of cisplatin and etoposide and mediastinal radiotherapy (39 Gy). Resolution of superior vena cava syndrome before (A) and after (B) combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy in a 66-year-old patient with extensive small-cell lung cancer diagnosed in November 2008, treated with 4 cycles of cisplatin and etoposide and mediastinal radiotherapy (39 Gy). Initial therapy led to complete remission and a progression-free survival of 3 months. Survival was 14 months as of January 2010. SVCS patency is restored after combined therapy (blue arrows). Note collaterals (red arrows), which mostly developed after therapy. Philipp M Lepper et al. Respir Care 2011;56:653-666 (c) 2012 by Daedalus Enterprises, Inc.