A randomized phase III trial of combined paclitaxel, carboplatin, and radiation therapy followed by weekly paclitaxel or observation for patients with locally advanced inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer.

Background: This study was designed to determine the efficacy and safety of additional maintenance chemotherapy after standard induction chemotherapy/radiation therapy (XRT) in stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The primary objective was to increase 1-year survival.

Patients And Methods: Eligible patients (N = 220) had confirmed stage IIIA or IIIB NSCLC, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-1.