Interferon Alfa, Isotretinoin, and Paclitaxel in Treating Patients With Recurrent Small Cell Lung Cancer

Inclusion Criteria

Histologically or cytologically confirmed recurrent small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with clinically confirmed measurable disease
Age 18 and over
ECOG Performance status 0-3
Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3
Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3
Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL
AST no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL
Triglycerides no greater than 1.5 times ULN
Patients must have had prior chemotherapy treatment for SCLC, and toxicities must have resolved to less than or equal to grade 1
Women of childbearing potential and sexually active males are strongly encouraged to use an accepted and effective method of contraception.

Exclusion Criteria

History of another neoplasm other than SCLC except for non-metastatic, non-melanoma skin cancers, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or cancer cured by surgery or small field radiotherapy at least 5 years before registration
Pregnant or nursing, with a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks prior to registration
Severe depression requiring medication
Use of the following drugs within 4 weeks prior to registration: carbamazepine, ethanol, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, topical acne products containing Retin-A, vitamin A, cisplatin, ketoconazole, phenytoin or other antiepileptic drugs
Use of GM-CSF or G-CSF within 4 weeks prior to registration
Prior paclitaxel or interferon therapy
Radiation therapy within 60 days prior to registration
Chemotherapy within 60 days prior to registration