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