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 requiring ongoing treatment
No uncontrolled serious active infections
No suspected hypersensitivity to agents that utilize Cremophor
No evidence of neuropathy grade 2 or greater by history or physical examination

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

Not specified

Chemotherapy:

No prior chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer

Endocrine therapy:

Not specified

Radiotherapy:

See Disease Characteristics
No prior radiotherapy to only site of measurable or evaluable disease unless subsequent progression documented by physical exam, radiograph, or pathology
Recovered from prior radiotherapy
No concurrent radiotherapy except for whole brain radiation for developing brain metastases

Surgery:

See Disease Characteristics