Immune Response on Neoadjuvant Therapy in Non-small-cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Inclusion Criteria: Histology and staging of the disease * Histological confirmed NSCLC; histology may include: large cell, squamous cell or adenocarcinoma but no SCLC. * Anatomically and functionally resectable NSCLC stage IB (T2N0) stage II (T1-2 N1, T3 N0) or stage IIIA (T3 N1) (see TAKO guidelines 2006, www.tako.or.at) * Measurable disease according to RECIST criteria General conditions * 18-80 years. * WHO 0-2; life expectancy of more than 3 months * Effective contraception for both male and female patients if the risk of conception exists * Adequate respiratory function, sufficient for necessary surgical treatment * Adequate hematological function (Hb \> 10 g/dl, ANC \> 2.0 x 10 9/L, platelets \> 100 x 10 9/L). * Adequate renal and hepatic functions: total bilirubin within normal limits, serum creatinine within normal limits, in case of limit value the creatinine clearance should be \> 60 ml/min, ASAT and ALAT \< 2.5 x UNL, alkaline phosphatase \< 5 x UNL. Initial work-up * Complete initial work-up within three weeks prior to first infusion includes chest CT scan, abdominal CT-scan, brain CT scan if indicated, PET-scan, bronchoscopy and mediastinoscopy, pulmonary function. Within 7 days prior to inclusion laboratory investigations and biological work up. * Signed initial consent prior to protocol specific procedures. Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis * Evidence of brain metastases or other distant metastasis equivalent to stage IV disease * History of prior malignancies, except for curatively treated non-melanoma skin cancer or in situ carcinoma of the cervix or other curatively treated cancer with no evidence of disease for at least five years * Other serious concomitant illness or medical condition: * Congestive heart failure or angina pectoris, except if medically controlled, history of myocardial infarction within 1 year from study entry, uncontrolled hypertension or arrhythmia * History of significant neurological or psychiatric disorders, including dementia or seizure * Active infection requiring i.v. antibiotics * Active ulcer, unstable diabetes mellitus or other contraindications to corticotherapy * Current peripheral neuropathy WHO grade \> 2 Prior or concurrent therapy * Prior chemotherapy or immunotherapy for NSCLC * Prior surgery or radiotherapy for NSCLC * Concurrent treatment with other experimental drugs, unapproved medical procedures or other anticancer therapy * Concurrent continuous treatment with systemic steroids for antiemetic use, intermittent application is allowed General conditions * Pregnant (absence to be confirmed by ß-HCG-test) or lactating patients * Patients (M/F) with reproductive potential not implementing adequate contraceptive measurements * Participation in other clinical trials with experimental agents or non approved medical procedures during study and within 30 days prior to study entry * Psychological, familial, sociological or geographical conditions which do not permit medical follow-up and compliance with the study protocol.