Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Stage II Bladder Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder that is clinical stage T2-3a N0 M0 by cystoscopy Cystoscopy performed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) No multifocal carcinoma in situ No obstructive uropathy or palpable mass Pathologic confirmation of histology and no more than 20% positive expression of nuclear p53, as follows: On study following transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) OR At TURB performed within 6 weeks of entry as part of initial staging

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 60%-100% Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,500 Platelets greater than 150,000 Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 2.0 mg/dL Renal: Creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min per 1.73 square meters Cardiovascular: No NYHA class III/IV status Other: No concomitant malignancy other than basal cell skin carcinoma Negative pregnancy test required of fertile women Adequate contraception required of fertile women

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No prior systemic chemotherapy No prior bladder irradiation