Comparison of Two Combination Chemotherapy Regimens in Treating Patients With Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

* Extensive stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with measurable disease, evaluated within 2 weeks prior to randomization
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-3
* Disease-free for \>=5 years if had a prior second malignancy other than treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, or carcinoma in situ of the cervix
* Adequate hematologic, hepatic and renal function determined by the following tests, within 4 weeks prior to randomization: white blood cell (WBC) \>=4000/mm3 and platelets \>=100,000/mm3; bilirubin \<= upper limit of normal; serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) or alanine transaminase (ALT) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) or aspartate transaminase( AST) \<=2.5 x upper limit of normal if no demonstrable liver metastases or \<=5 times upper limit of normal in the presence of liver metastases; Calculated creatinine clearance \>=30 using the formulas in the protocol
* Age 18 and older
* Strongly advised to use an accepted and effective method of contraception
* Those with central nervous system (CNS) metastases were eligible if the metastases were treated without advancing symptoms prior to the initiation of chemotherapy
* Those receiving erythropoietin could continue to receive it

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

* Prior radiotherapy for lung cancer; Prior radiotherapy allowed only for central nervous system (CNS) metastases
* Prior chemotherapy for this disease
* Pregnant or lactating