Pemetrexed Disodium and Cisplatin Followed by Surgery With or Without Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed malignant pleural mesothelioma * T1-3, N0-2, M0 disease according to International Mesothelioma Interest Group staging system * No obvious invasion of mediastinal structures by CT scan (e.g., heart, aorta, spine, esophagus) * No obvious widespread chest wall invasion * Resectable chest wall lesions allowed PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * WHO performance score 0-1 * Fit for neoadjuvant therapy, surgery, and postoperative radiotherapy * Creatinine clearance \> 60 mL/min * Hemoglobin ≥ 10.0 g/dL * WBC ≥ 3,500/mm³ * Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,500/mm³ * Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm³ * Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * AST and ALT ≤ 1.5 times ULN * Alkaline phosphatase ≤ 1.5 times ULN * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for up to 12 months after completion of study treatment * FEV\_1 ≥ 40% of predicted based on spirometry and lung perfusion scan, if necessary * No serious underlying medical condition that would preclude study requirements (e.g., active autoimmune disease or uncontrolled diabetes) * No known hypersensitivity against pemetrexed disodium, cisplatin, or other platinum-containing substances or any other components used for the preparation of the drugs * No restricted power of hearing (especially in the upper frequency range) * No acute infections PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * No prior chemotherapy * N…