Dose-Dense Induction/Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with documented stage III NSCLC (IIIA or IIIB, without malignant pleural/pericardial effusion) are eligible for enrollment if they are considered appropriate for treatment with chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery;
IIIA: T1-3 N2 M0, T3 N1 M0
IIIB: T4 N0-2 M0, T 1-4 N3 M0
Measurable or evaluable disease
Previously untreated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy for lung cancer;
No brain metastases;
No prior XRT
Performance status 0-2
≥18 years of age
Informed Consent
Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1.5 x 109/L
Platelets ≥ 100 x 109/L
Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x upper limit of normal for the institution (ULN)
SGOT and SGPT ≤ 2.5 x ULN for the institution
Creatinine ≤ 1.6 mg/dL
Hemoglobin ≥ 8.0 g/dL
Peripheral neuropathy ≤ grade 1

Exclusion Criteria:

Known sensitivity to E. coli derived products (e.g. Filgrastim, HUMULIN® insulin, L-asparaginase, HUMATROPE® Growth Hormone, INTRON® A);
Use of IV systemic antibiotics within 72 hours prior to chemotherapy;
Known HIV infection
Lithium or cytokines within 2 weeks prior of entry
Additional concurrent investigational drugs
History of myelodysplastic syndrome
Pregnant, nursing or having unprotected sex
Not available for follow-up assessment
Unable to comply with protocol procedures
Illnesses that may compromise ability to give informed consent.
Patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity reaction to Taxotere® or other drugs formulated with polysorbate 80.