Comparison of Two Combination Chemotherapy Regimens in Treating Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed non-small cell lung carcinoma of any of the following subtypes: * Squamous cell * Adenocarcinoma * Large cell anaplastic * Bronchioalveolar * Non-small cell carcinoma not otherwise specified * No small cell anaplastic elements allowed * Must have: * Recurrent disease after prior radiotherapy or surgery OR * Stage IV disease with distant metastases OR * Stage IIIB disease presenting with pleural or pericardial effusion on CT or chest x-ray or pleural implants documented pathologically or on CT or chest x-ray * Bidimensionally measurable or evaluable disease * Brain metastases allowed provided clinically stable after treatment with surgery and/or radiotherapy PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Performance status: * ECOG 2 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 1.5 mg/dL * SGOT no greater than 5 times upper limit of normal Renal: * Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR * Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: * No uncontrolled high blood pressure, unstable angina, or congestive heart failure * No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months * No serious ventricular arrhythmias requiring medication Other: * Not pregnant or nursing * Fertile patients must use effective contraception * No other active malignancies requir…