Docetaxel and Cisplatin in Treating Patients With Untreated Stage IIIA Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (T1-3, N2, M0) Unresectable metastasis to ipsilateral mediastinal and/or subcarinal lymph nodes Measurable disease Must be at least 20 mm in one dimension by conventional techniques or at least 10 mm by spiral CT scan No distant metastases No CNS involvement No pleural or pericardial effusion PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: WHO 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) AST/ALT no greater than 1.5 times ULN Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.25 ULN Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No superior vena cava syndrome No uncontrolled congestive heart failure or angina No myocardial infarction within past year No uncontrolled hypertension or arrhythmia Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No concurrent active infection requiring IV antibiotic therapy No other prior malignancy in past 5 years except carcinoma in situ of the cervix or adequately treated basal cell carcinoma, excluding melanoma, breast cancer, and hypernephroma No concurrent illness or medical condition which is a contraindication for corticosteroid therapy (e.g., active ulcer, unstable diabetes mellitus) No motor or sensory neurotoxicity of grade 2 or greater No psychological, familial, sociological, or geographical condition that would preclude study PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent immunotherapy Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for NSCLC No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy for NSCLC No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: No prior surgery for NSCLC Other: At least 1 month since prior investigational agents No other concurrent experimental medications