Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Diagnosis of extensive stage small cell lung cancer At least 1 bidimensionally measurable non CNS lesion At least 1 cm in one diameter and at least 2 cm in another diameter by CT or MRI scan At least 2 cm in two diameters by x-ray, ultrasound, or for palpable tumor masses by physical exam Measurable skin lesion at least 1 cm in at least one diameter by photography No symptomatic CNS and/or leptomeningeal metastases requiring corticosteroid therapy to control symptoms

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,500/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 9.0 g/dL Neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL SGOT, SGPT, and alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) (no greater than 5 times ULN if liver metastases present) Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No preexisting cardiac disease No congestive heart failure No cardiac arrhythmia requiring therapy No myocardial infarction within the past 3 months Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception for 3 months before, during, and for at least 4 weeks after study No active uncontrolled infection No other concurrent or prior malignancies within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal or squamous cell skin cancer, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or stage I low grade prostate cancer No other severe medical problem or any other medical condition that would preclude study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics Radiotherapy: At least 24 hours since prior radiotherapy if no marked bone marrow suppression expected At least 6 weeks since prior radiotherapy to measurable lesion if evidence of progression Concurrent radiotherapy for bone pain control allowed Surgery: At least 3 weeks since prior surgery Other: At least 30 days or 5 half lives (whichever is longer) since prior investigational drug No other concurrent investigational drugs