Concurrent Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, and Radiation Therapy Versus Induction Carboplatin and Paclitaxel Followed by Concurrent Carboplatin, Paclitaxel and Radiation Therapy for Patients With Unresectable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Phase III Trial

Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed non-small cell lung
cancer, including: Squamous cell carcinoma Adenocarcinoma (including bronchoalveolar cell)
Large cell anaplastic carcinoma (including giant and clear cell carcinomas) Inoperable or
unresectable stage IIIA or IIIB disease of the following stage groupings: T1 N2 M0 or T2
N2 M0 T3 N2 M0 and T4 N0-2 M0 eligible if staging is based on closeness to the carina or
invasion of the mediastinum or chest wall Patients with contralateral mediastinal disease
(N3) or tumors adjacent to but not invading a vertebral body are eligible if all gross
disease can be encompassed in the study radiation boost field Patients with a transudate,
cytologically negative, nonbloody pleural effusion are eligible if the tumor can be
encompassed within a reasonable field of radiotherapy Measurable or evaluable disease

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: CALBG 0-1 Life expectancy:
Not specified Hematopoietic: Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Absolute granulocyte
count at least 1,500/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 1.5 mg/dL AST less than 2 times
upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine clearance at least 20 mL/min Other: Not pregnant
or nursing Effective contraception required of fertile patients No active second
malignancy except nonmelanomatous skin cancer

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior
chemotherapy No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent hormones
except for steroids administered for adrenal failure or septic shock, or hormones
administered for non-disease-related conditions (e.g., insulin for diabetes)
Glucocorticosteroids permitted as antiemetics Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy Surgery:
At least 2 weeks since exploratory thoracotomy