Dear Nancy:
I was diagnosed with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in May of 2005. I have not had any traditional IV chemo yet - I have only been on Tarceva since day #1 as I am a female, non-smoker with the EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) mutation. My lung tumor initially shrank and now has stabilized as well as my other mets. Tarceva has a low toxicity level; common side effects are a pimple-like rash and occasional diarreha. So, I plan to continue using Tarceva until it stops working..
With regard to the clinical trial, I would find out all I could about the trial, like: what stage the trial is currently at? - there are three stages of a clinical trial and I would be wary if it is a Stage 1 trial as it has only been tested in animals and this is the first introduction to humans.... but, from your description, it does not sound like it. I would also want to know about the side-effects of the chemo - how toxic is it? If your father is in otherwise good health, you may not want to deplete his immune system when you could use a less toxic course of treatment with Tarceva.
In the end, it will have to be your father's decision, just make sure it is an INFORMED decision... Good luck and I wish you both well.... - Kim