MnSOD (Esophageal Protectant) to Prevent Esophagitis During Radiation/Chemotherapy Treatment for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

This is a Phase I-II study evaluating the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of swallowed MnSOD plasmid/liposome (PL) transgene given as protection against radiation-induced esophagitis during concurrent paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy with thoracic radiation in subjects with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Phase I of the study will assess the feasibility and safety of MnSOD PL by dose escalation in 3 cohorts of 3 chemoradiotherapy subjects each (Cohort1 = 0.3 mg/dose, Cohort2 = 3 mg/dose, Cohort3 = 30 mg/dose). The highest dose completed (as determined by toxicity monitoring for 8 weeks from initial treatment) will be the starting dose for Phase II. Phase II will examine the efficacy of MnSOD PL by assessing the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 esophagitis in 27 additional chemoradiotherapy subjects. Incidence of esophageal toxicity, as well as clinical response to the combination of chemoradiotherapy with MnSOD PL are the outcomes of interest.