Docetaxel and Gemcitabine in Treating Patients With Stage IIIB or Stage IV Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed stage IIIB/IV nonsmall cell lung cancer eligible for first line chemotherapy Measurable disease (must be outside radiation port or proof of progressive disease) Metastatic CNS disease allowed if treated and stable for at least 21 days prior to study

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Greater than 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 10 g/dL Absolute neutrophil count at least 1500/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 3 times ULN AST no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: At least 3 months since prior myocardial infarction No uncontrolled congestive heart failure No uncontrolled arrhythmias Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception Peripheral neuropathy less than grade 2 No history of hypersensitivity to products containing polysorbate 80 No other significant medical condition No meningeal carcinomatosis No weight loss of greater than 10% within past 3 months due to disease

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy to pelvis, spine, or long bones and recovered No prior radiotherapy to at least 30% of bone marrow Surgery: Greater than 4 weeks since prior major surgery Other: At least 3 weeks since prior investigational drugs