A Phase II Trial of Induction Chemoradiotherapy with Cisplatin/Etoposide Followed by Surgical Resection, Followed by Docetaxel, for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Involving the Superior Sulcus (Pancoast Tumors)

Pts must have histologic/cytologically-confirmed newly diagnosed, single primary bronchogenic NSCLC, selected Stage IIB, Stage IIIA or IIIB due to involvement of superior sulcus (T3-4, N0-1); EKG obtained; evidence of disease by chest X-ray (PA and lateral views), chest CT (preferable w/contrast) w/bone windows, CT scan of upper abdomen or PET scan (not necessary if chest CT incl. liver and adrenals) and biopsy or aspiration of any suspicious CT/MRI findings; Pleural effusion negative per Section 5.18; Pre-resection FEV1 >/= 2.0 L or if FEV1 < 2.0, predicted post-resection FEV1 > 1.0 L; Zubrod PS 0-2 (PS 2 must have albumin >/= 0.85 x ILLN, Weight Loss </= 10%); ANC >/= 1,500 and PLTS >/= 100,000; adequate hepatic function, total bili and SGOT or SGPT </= 1.5 x IULN (unless benign disese present); CrCl >/= 50 ml/min; Pts must have mediastinal exploration w/lymph nodes biopsied except if mediastinum is negative by both PET and CT; Attending surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist must approve the staging designation prior to registration; Pts must not have had prior malignancy except: treated basal cell or squamous cell skin ca, in situ cervical ca and must be disease-free for 5 yrs; Pts must be a candidate for future pulmonary resection; Pts must not have mediastinal or supraclavicular nodal involvement (N2-3); Pts must not have 2 or more parenchymal lesions in the same or both lungs; Pts must not have malignant pericardial effusions or SVC syndrome; Pts must not have had prior chemo or radiation to the thorax, head or neck region (thoracotomy for staging purposes only); Pts must not have evidence of distant mets via bone scan or PET scan; Pts must not have unstable cardiac rhythms, uncontrolled CHF, PUD, active angina or recent MI; Pt must not have brain mets via CT or MRI of the brain; Pts must not have > Grade 1 neuropathy-sensory; Pts must not be pregnant or nursing or of reproductive potential and not agreed to use effective contraceptive method; Pts must be offered participation in S9925 (the Lung Cancer Specimen Repository); Pts must not have hypersensitivity reaction to docetaxel or other drugs formulated with polysorbate 80.