Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed non-small cell lung
cancer (NSCLC) Stage IIIB or IV Newly diagnosed or recurrent disease Measurable lesions At
least 10 mm by spiral CT scan OR At least 20 mm by conventional techniques Previously
irradiated lesions are considered measurable provided they progressed or appeared after
completion of radiotherapy The following are considered nonmeasurable: Pleural or
pericardial effusions Cystic lesions Lymphangitis pulmonis Bony x-ray abnormalities
Abnormal scans with nonmeasurable filling defects No symptomatic brain metastasis or CNS
involvement by CT scan or MRI

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 70-100% Life
expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3
Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit
of normal (ULN) SGOT no greater than 2 times ULN Renal: Creatinine normal Other: No other
malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated carcinoma in situ of the
cervix or basal cell carcinoma that is not likely to recur No history of allergic
reactions to diuretics or antiemetics (e.g., 5-HT3 antagonists) used on this study Not
pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective
contraception during and for 3 months after study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior immunotherapy or biologic therapy for
NSCLC Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for NSCLC No prior platinum-based chemotherapy
Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics No prior
radiotherapy to potential indicator lesion(s) At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy
and recovered Surgery: Recovered from prior surgical procedure(s) Other: At least 30 days
since prior investigational drug