Phase II Neoadjuvant Trial of a Continuous Infusion of Paclitaxel Plus Cisplatin Followed by Chest Radiotherapy for Patients With Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Exclusion Criteria

• •No stage IIIB disease with pleural effusion visible on chest x-ray unless related to a previous thoracotomy.
• •No typical carcinoid or mesothelioma.
• •Measurable disease preferred but not required.
• •PRIOR/CONCURRENT THERAPY:
• •No prior chemotherapy or thoracic radiotherapy.
• •PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
• •Age: 18 and over.
• •Performance status: ECOG 0-2.
• •Hematopoietic:
• •AGC greater than 2,000.
• •Platelets greater than 100,000.
• •Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL.
• •Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL.
• •Cardiovascular:
• •No symptomatic heart disease including: Less than fully compensated congestive cardiac failure, Significant arrhythmias e.g.: Greater than first-degree heart block, Uncontrolled and symptomatic atrial dysrhythmia except sinus, bradycardia or sustained ventricular tachycardia, Myocardial infarction within 3 months.
• •Pulmonary: No major uncontrolled active infection (unless due to obstructed bronchus).
• •OTHER:
• •No major active psychiatric problem requiring hospitalization or psychotropic medication such as phenothiazines.
• •No prior second malignancy within 5 years except: nonmelanomatous skin cancer, In situ carcinoma of the cervix.
• •No pregnant or nursing women.