Although Thalidomide has been shown to have an anti-cancer affect, researchers do not know exactly how it works. One theory indicates that the drug may stop the growth of new blood vessels needed for a tumor to survive and grow. In this study, Dudek plans to measure the drug-induced molecular and cellular changes to determine how Thalidomide affects tumor growth.
Thalidomide, combined with the chemotherapy drugs Gemcitabine and Carboplatin, will be given to study participants in an effort to shrink cancerous tumors before undergoing surgery. Recent studies have shown that tumor size is reduced in the majority of patients who receive chemotherapy prior to surgery. These patients also have a higher survival rate than patients treated with surgery alone.
"Lung cancer often grows against a vital artery, which can make it difficult for the surgeon to safely remove the cancer cells or tumor," said Dudek. "Giving chemotherapy before surgery can lead to a tumor shrinking away from the artery, which can greatly improve the patient's outcome."
Some studies show that pre-operative chemotherapy can also help reduce the chance of cancer recurrence after surgery. According to Dudek, this might occur because the chemotherapy can eradicate microscopic metastases or spread of cancer cells to other organs.
The most common type of the disease, NSCLC accounts for nearly 80 percent of lung cancers and is the most common cause of cancer death in the country. Early stage NSCLC-cancer that has not spread beyond the lung-is normally treated with surgery. More advanced cancer that has spread beyond the lung can be treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both following surgery. However, the current five-year survival rate for all lung cancer patients is only 15 percent.
"Developing new lung cancer therapies is vital to improving the outlook for these patients," said Dudek.
Each study participant will receive a CAT scan to measure the size of the tumor before receiving three cycles of the drug combination. A second CAT scan is then performed after chemotherapy so the researchers can measure any changes in tumor size. Finally, the patient will undergo routine surgery to remove the tumor.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older, have stage II or IIIA NSCLC, and must not have received any prior chemotherapy or radiation. People who are interested in participating in this study can call the Masonic Cancer Clinic at 612-625-5411.
The University of Minnesota Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Awarded more than $70 million in peer-reviewed grants during fiscal year 2002, the Cancer Center conducts cancer research that advances knowledge and enhances care. The center also engages community outreach and public education efforts addressing cancer. To learn more about cancer, visit the University of Minnesota Cancer Center Web site at www.cancer.umn.edu. For cancer questions, call the Cancer Center information line at 1-888-CANCER MN (1-888-226-2376) or 612-624-2620 in the metro area.