Phase II Trial of Topotecan and Paclitaxel in Previously Treated Patients With Relapsed Small Cell Lung Cancer

Study start date: April 1, 1998

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Stratum A (less than 3 months since prior therapy) closed to accrual effective 06/20/2000) Histologically or cytologically confirmed recurrent or refractory small cell lung cancer Only 1 prior regimen allowed (an alternating regimen with cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine and etoposide/cisplatin is acceptable) No mixed histology Measurable or evaluable disease that has not been in the field of prior radiotherapy No uncontrolled CNS metastases (treated CNS metastases eligible) PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Total bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) OR Direct bilirubin normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: No unstable angina pectoris No uncontrolled congestive heart failure No myocardial infarction within the past 3 months Other: No uncontrolled infections No other concurrent malignancy except skin cancer or localized prostate cancer Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics No prior topoisomerase I inhibitor (e.g., topotecan or irinotecan) or taxane (e.g., paclitaxel or docetaxel) At least 3 months since other prior chemotherapy Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 2 weeks since prior radiotherapy No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: At least 3 weeks since any prior major surgery