Hycamtin is used to treat small cell lung cancer. It works by killing cancer cells or slowing their growth. However, the drug also reduces bone marrow function, which can lead to low blood cell counts such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can cause anemia, reduce the body's ability to fight infections, or make it easier for the body to bruise or bleed.

There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common cancer accounting for 84% of all lung cancer diagnoses. For each type of disease, there will be different treatment methods.