First-Line Treatment of A Comparison of 2 Treatments in Elderly Patients With Advanced NSCLC

Patients in this study will be assigned to one of 2 treatment groups. The selection of the treatment groups will be done randomly by a computer.

The first group, Cohort A, will receive bevacizumab 10mg/kg by vein over 30-90 minutes followed by pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 by vein over 10 minutes followed by gemcitabine 1500 mg/m2 by vein over 30-60 minutes. This regimen will be given on day 1 and day 15 of each treatment cycle. Each cycle is 28 days long. As long as their disease does not worsen patients can receive up to a maximum of 6 cycles of this combination chemotherapy. Following that they can receive bevacizumab alone once every 2 weeks as long as their disease does not worsen.

The second group, Cohort B, will receive bevacizumab 15mg/kg by vein over 30-90 minutes followed by pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 by vein over approximately 10 minutes followed by carboplatin AUC=5 by vein over 30-60 minutes. This regimen will be given on day 1 of each treatment cycle. Each cycle is 21 days long. As long as their disease does not worsen patients can receive up to a maximum of 6 cycles of this combination chemotherapy. Following that they can receive bevacizumab alone once every 3 weeks as long as their disease does not worsen.

In both regimens vitamin B12 injections and Folic Acid pills will be given to reduce the occurrence of side effects from the treatment.

Each patient's disease will be evaluated at intervals by the proper scans or X-rays to see how well the cancer is responding to the treatment.

Inclusion criteria

• Histologically confirmed non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma, (adenocarcinoma, or large cell carcinoma)
• Patients who have newly diagnosed unresectable stage III or stage IV disease are eligible.
• Must be at least 70 years of age
• Must have measurable disease by CT scan
• Must be able to be up and about and care for themselves
• May not have received prior treatment for stage III or IV disease
• Must have adequate white and red blood cells and platelets.
• Must be able to take Vitamin B12, Folic Acid and dexamethasone as stated in the study
• Must be able to understand the nature of this study and give written informed consent
• Adequate liver and kidney function

Exclusion criteria

• Past or current history of cancer with the exception of treated non- melanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in-situ of the cervix, or other cancers cured by local therapy alone and have been disease free for five years
• Female patients who are pregnant or are lactating are ineligible
• History of unstable angina or myocardial infarction within 6 months prior to beginning bevacizumab
• Brain metastasis - cancer that has spread to the brain
• Major surgical procedure, open biopsy, or significant traumatic injury within 6 weeks of beginning bevacizumab or anticipation of need for major surgical procedure during the course of the study
• Full-dose oral or by vein anticoagulation or receiving anti-clotting therapy within 10 days of starting treatment
• Serious nonhealing wound, ulcer, or bone fracture
• Bleeding or clotting disorders
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure or serious heart arrhythmia requiring medication
• History of abdominal fistula, gastrointestinal perforation, or intra- abdominal abscess within 6 months prior to beginning bevacizumab
• Chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory use is not allowed on study
• History of stroke or TIAs within the last 6 months

Please Note: There are additional inclusion/exclusion criteria. The study center will determine if you meet all of the criteria. If you do not qualify for the trial, study personnel will explain the reasons. If you do qualify, study personnel will explain the trial in detail and answer any questions you may have.