Inclusion Criteria

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