Jiang S, et al. - Researchers evaluated the characteristics, diagnosis and outcomes of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) younger than 40 years old. Between January 2006 and December 2015, records of patients under the age of 40 with SCLC at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were reviewed and assessed. One hundred and three patients and 54 non-smokers were included. Multivariate analysis indicated that disease stage, history of antibiotic treatment before SCLC diagnosis, and performance status were independently related to survival. Distinct characteristics and prognostic factors of SCLC patients under 40 years were identified in this investigation. More timely care can improve the prognosis of the patient.