DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically or cytologically confirmed small cell lung cancer

  • Limited stage defined as disease restricted to one hemithorax with regional lymph node metastases including hilar, ipsilateral, and contralateral mediastinal lymph nodes

• Measurable disease

  • At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR
  • At least 10 mm by spiral CT scan

  • Lesions not considered measurable include the following:

    • Bone lesions
    • Leptomeningeal disease
    • Ascites
    • Pleural/pericardial effusion
    • Abdominal masses not confirmed and followed by imaging techniques
    • Cystic lesions
    • Tumor lesions in a previously irradiated area
• No clinically suspected or confirmed supraclavicular lymph node metastases
• No pleural effusions visible on plain chest radiographs, regardless of cytology

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 100,00/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
• Creatinine clearance no greater than 150 mL/min for men or 130 mL/min for women

Other:

• Not pregnant or nursing
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• No other currently active malignancy except non-melanoma skin cancer
• Patients must have completed therapy for any other malignancy and be considered to be at less than 30% risk of relapse

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

• No concurrent filgrastim (G-CSF) during consolidation therapy

Chemotherapy:

• No prior chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer
• No other concurrent chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy:

• No concurrent hormonal therapy except:

  • Steroids for adrenal failure
  • Hormones for non-disease-related conditions (e.g., insulin for diabetes)
  • Intermittent use of dexamethasone as an antiemetic or as an adjunct to prophylactic cranial irradiation

Radiotherapy:

• See Disease Characteristics
• No prior chest radiotherapy

Surgery:

• Not specified