Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed advanced non-small cell lung cancer that is progressive within 2 months prior to study entry Stage IIIB due to malignant pleural effusion or supraclavicular lymph node involvement only Stage IV At least 1 bidimensionally or unidimensionally measurable target lesion Brain metastases or leptomeningeal disease that have been treated with radiotherapy, is stable without medications (e.g., steroids), and asymptomatic are allowed

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 to 75 Performance status: WHO 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Prothrombin time less than 1.5 times normal Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.25 times upper limit of normal (ULN) (no greater than 2.5 times ULN if due to liver metastases) AST or ALT less than 3 times ULN (no greater than 5 times ULN if due to liver metastases) Renal: Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No uncontrolled cardiac disease, sign of cardiac failure, or rhythm disturbances requiring medication No myocardial infarction in the past 3 months Neurological: No preexisting motor or sensory neurotoxicity of grade 2 or greater Other: No active uncontrolled infection Not a poor medical risk due to nonmalignant disease No secondary primary malignancy in the past 5 years (excluding melanoma, breast cancer, and hypernephroma) except carcinoma in situ of the cervix or adequately treated basal cell carcinoma of the skin No psychological condition that might hamper compliance in this study Not pregnant Effective contraception required of all fertile patients during and for 3 months after study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior immunotherapy No concurrent colony stimulating factor except for secondary prophylaxis in case of infection and severe neutropenia No concurrent immunotherapy Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for advanced disease, including intracavitary chemotherapy At least 1 year since prior neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics No concurrent hormonal agents (except corticosteroids for antiemetic prophylaxis) Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy should not include all target lesions for evaluation At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy Concurrent palliative radiotherapy allowed if indicator lesion is outside of radiation field Surgery: Not specified