Study of Tarceva and Targretin in Stage I-II Lung Cancer

A Clinical and Pharmacologic Study of the Combination of Erlotinib and Bexarotene in Resectable Clinical Stage I-II Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The purpose of this study is to learn the effects on lung cancer of 2 new drugs, Tarceva and Targretin, given in combination before surgical removal of the tumor. Tarceva is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for lung cancer. Targretin is approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This combination of drugs is experimental.

Erlotinib 150mg and bexarotene 400mg/m2 will be administered orally for 7-9 days prior to thoracotomy. Plasma samples will be collected on the day before surgery and along with tissue samples on the day of the thoracotomy. Analyses will be done on the resected specimen and it will be compared to the pre-study diagnostic specimen.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Resectable stage I or II non-small-cell lung cancer
• Prior tissue biopsy (not cytology) available for research analysis
• Adequate hepatic and renal function

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy