Phase 2b Study of Cetuximab With Platinum-Based Chemo as First Line Treatment of Recurrent or Advanced NSCLC

Inclusion Criteria:

* Written informed consent before study-related activities
* Histologically or cytologically confirmed Stage IIIb with cytologically documented malignant pleural or pericardial effusion, Stage IV, or recurrent non-smal cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after resection or radiation for earlier stage disease
* Measurable or evaluable disease (per modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors \[RECIST\] guidelines)
* Male or female ≥ 18 years of age
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-1
* White blood count ≥ 3 x 10(9)/L with neutrophils ≥ 1.5 x 10(9)/L, platelet count ≥ 100 x 10(9)/L, and hemoglobin ≥ 9.5 g/dL
* Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN)
* Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 2.5 x ULN or ≤ 5 x ULN in patients with liver mets
* Serum creatinine ≤ 1.25 x ULN
* Recovery from prior surgery or radiation to Grade 1 or better toxicity
* Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) and fertile men with partners of childbearing potential must be using an adequate method of contraception to avoid pregnancy throughout the study and for up to 4 wks after the study in such a manner that the risk of pregnancy is minimized
* WOCBP must have a negative serum or urine pregnancy test within 72 hrs prior to the start of study medication or in accordance with local regulations, whichever is of shorter duration

Exclusion Criteria:

* WOCBP who are unwilling or unable to use an acceptable method of birth control to avoid pregnancy for the entire study period and for up to 4 weeks after the study
* Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
* Women with a positive pregnancy test during screening or prior to study drug administration
* Sexually active fertile men not using effective birth control if their partners are women of child-bearing potential
* Prior chemo for advanced NSCLC; neoadjuvant or post-operative adjuvant chemo is allowed if completed at least 12 months before study entry
* Previous exposure to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy. Prior treatment with monoclonal antibodies targeting receptors other than the EGFR, such as bevacizumab, is allowed if completed \> 30 days prior to randomization
* Treatment with any investigational agent(s) within 4 weeks prior to study entry
* Concurrent anti-cancer therapy (chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biologic or targeted therapy) other than protocol therapy
* Carcinoid, atypical carcinoid or small cell lung cancer
* Symptomatic or uncontrolled mets in the central nervous system
* Prior invasive malignancy requiring ongoing therapy within the past year
* Active infection (infection requiring intravenous \[IV\] antibiotics), including active tuberculosis, known and declared HIV
* Myocardial infarction within 6 months prior to study entry, uncontrolled congestive heart failure; or any current Grade 3 or 4 cardiovascular disorder despite treatment
* Known allergic/hypersensitivity reaction to any of the components of study treatments
* Peripheral neuropathy ≥ Grade 2, as assessed by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0
* History of significant neurologic or psychiatric disorders including but not limited to dementia, seizures, and bipolar disorder
* Medical or psychological condition that would not permit the patient to complete the study or sign informed consent
* Known drug abuse

Patients of all races and ethnic groups are eligible for this trial.