Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically documented extensive stage small
cell carcinoma of the bronchus Measurable or evaluable disease No pleural effusions, bone
scan abnormalities, or bone marrow biopsies as only evidence of disease

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: CALGB 0-1 Hematopoietic:
Granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic:
Bilirubin less than 1.5 mg/dL SGOT less than 2 times normal Renal: Serum creatinine no
greater than 1.5 mg/dL Cardiovascular: No cardiac disease Pulmonary: No interstitial
pneumonia No fibroid lung Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use
effective contraception No psychiatric illness No malabsorption disorder No uncontrolled
infection No uncontrolled diabetes mellitus No prior or concurrent malignancy within the
past 5 years except carcinoma in situ of the cervix or basal cell skin cancer

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior
chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine
therapy: No chronic steroid therapy (except steroids for adrenal failure or hormones for
non-disease related conditions) Radiotherapy: No prior pelvic or mediastinal radiotherapy
Surgery: Not specified Other: No concurrent anticonvulsants