LAMP to Evaluate RT Plus Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer

RESTON, Virginia—A new national clinical study known as LAMP (locally advanced multimodality protocol) will help evaluate the best manner in which to give patients radiation and chemotherapy to treat locally advanced, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The trial, conducted by the American College of Radiology (ACR), is using the chemotherapy agents paclitaxel (Taxol) and carboplatin (Paraplatin).

“A number of studies of patients with stage III lung cancer show that many patients benefit from chemotherapy and radiation together, said Walter J. Curran, Jr., MD, one of the chairs for the study. “Now, we are seeking to refine the manner in which to give the agents to improve their effectiveness and safety.”

The key question to be answered in this clinical trial, he said, is how best to integrate the radiation and chemotherapy. The options include giving the two therapies at the same time, giving them one after the other, or giving the chemotherapy both before and during radiation therapy, Dr. Curran said.

The LAMP study will evaluate the relapse-free survival rates and actual survival rates of the various schedules, as well as safety and toxicity. To obtain more information about LAMP, call Elaine Pakuris at 215-574-3195.