A Phase 1/2 Trial of Perifosine in the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients must have histologically or cytologically confirmed diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer, must have progressed despite standard therapy and must not be candidates for surgical or combined modality therapy. * At least 18 years of age. * Patients should have received at least one but no more than two prior chemotherapy regimens for metastatic disease. The study chairman or medical monitor will consider extenuating circumstances for patients with more than two such regimens. * Patients must have measurable disease. Since the outcome for a patient is to be based on response using RECIST criteria, the patient must have at least one measurable lesion that can be accurately measured in at least one dimension and fit one of the following criteria: longest diameter 20 mm using conventional techniques or 10 mm with spiral CT scan. * Patients must have a life expectancy of more than 3 months. * Patients should have a performance status of 0 to 1 according to the ECOG criteria. However, patients with ECOG performance status of 2 may be admitted with approval from the study chairman or medical monitor. * Female patients who are pregnant or lactating are ineligible. All females of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test within 72 hours of treatment. Men and women of childbearing potential must agree to employ adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy while on therapy and for four weeks after the completion of treatment. * Patients must have ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. Exclusion Criteria * Patients with rapidly progressing disease, as defined by progression within 12 weeks of initiation of the previous regimen. * Patients receiving any other investigational agents or devices. * History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to perifosine (miltefosine or edelfosine). * Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection and psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements. * HIV-positive patients receiving combination anti-retroviral therapy are excluded from the study because of possible pharmacokinetic interactions with perifosine. * Patients with a history of unstable or newly diagnosed angina pectoris, recent myocardial infarction (within 6 months of enrollment) or New York Heart Assoc. class II-IV congestive heart failure.