Docetaxel and Cisplatin With or Without Dimesna in Treating Patients With Stage IIIB or Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

Histologically or cytologically confirmed* non-small cell lung cancer of 1 of the following subtypes:

Squamous carcinoma
Basaloid carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
Bronchoalveolar carcinoma
Adenosquamous carcinoma
Large cell carcinoma
Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
Giant cell carcinoma
Sarcomatoid carcinoma
Non-small cell carcinoma not otherwise specified NOTE: *Histologic or cytologic confirmation of recurrence is required for patients who have undergone prior complete resection
Stage IIIB disease due to malignant pleural effusion OR stage IV disease

Measurable disease

At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion at least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR at least 10 mm by spiral CT scan

The following are considered nonmeasurable disease:

Bone lesions
Brain metastases or leptomeningeal disease
Ascites
Pleural/pericardial effusion
Abdominal masses not confirmed and followed by imaging techniques
Cystic lesions
Tumor lesions situated in a previously irradiated area
Brain metastases are allowed provided patient is neurologically stable and off steroids

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age

18 and over

Performance status

ECOG 0-1

Life expectancy

Not specified

Hematopoietic

Granulocyte count ≥ 1,500/mm^3
Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm^3

Hepatic

Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dL
AST ≤ 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
Alkaline phosphatase ≤ 2.5 times ULN

Renal

Creatinine ≤ ULN

Other

Not pregnant or nursing
Fertile patients must use effective contraception
No grade 2 or greater neuropathy

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy

No other concurrent growth factors

Chemotherapy

No prior chemotherapy
No other concurrent chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy

See Disease Characteristics
No concurrent hormonal therapy except steroids administered for adrenal failure, hormones for non-cancer-related conditions (e.g., insulin for diabetes), or intermittent dexamethasone as an antiemetic

Radiotherapy

See Disease Characteristics
Prior radiotherapy allowed for brain metastases only
No concurrent palliative radiotherapy

Surgery

See Disease Characteristics