Topotecan Hydrochloride and Doxorubicin Hydrochloride in Treating Relapsed or Refractory Small Cell Lung Cancer

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of topotecan hydrochloride when given together with doxorubicin hydrochloride in treating patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) that has come back after a period of improvement (relapsed) or has not responded to treatment (refractory). Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as topotecan hydrochloride and doxorubicin hydrochloride, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Doxorubicin hydrochloride may also stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Giving topotecan hydrochloride and doxorubicin hydrochloride may be a better treatment for small cell lung cancer.