Cetuximab and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

RATIONALE: Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. Cetuximab may also stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Giving cetuximab together with radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells.

PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well giving cetuximab together with radiation therapy works in treating patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer.