Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed limited stage small
cell lung cancer Includes disease restricted to one hemithorax with regional lymph node
metastases, including hilar, ipsilateral and contralateral mediastinal lymph nodes
Clinically suspected or confirmed supraclavicular lymph node metastases and pleural
effusions that are visible on plain chest radiographs, whether cytologically positive or
not, are not eligible Unidimensionally or bidimensionally measurable disease

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy:
Not specified 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 upper limit of
normal (ULN) Renal: Creatinine no greater than ULN Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile
patients must use effective contraception No concurrent active second malignancy except
nonmelanoma skin cancer (i.e., completed therapy and considered to be at less than 30%
risk of relapse)

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior
chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine
therapy: No concurrent steroids except for adrenal failure No concurrent hormones except
for nondisease related conditions (e.g., insulin for diabetes) No concurrent dexamethasone
except for intermittent use as an antiemetic or as an adjunct to prophylactic cranial
irradiation Radiotherapy: No prior mediastinal radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified