Combination Chemotherapy Plus Radiation Therapy Followed by Surgery in Treating Patients With Stage IIIB Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed primary stage IIIB non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) T4, any N, M0 or any T, N3, M0 No N3 disease due to scalene or supraclavicular lymph node involvement No primary tumors located in the lower lobe combined with contralateral upper higher mediastinal lymph node involvement No mixed tumor types with small cell lung cancer At least 1 unidimensionally measurable target lesion At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR At least 10 mm by spiral CT scan No pre-existing pleural or pericardial effusion No CNS involvement by CT scan or MRI PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 to 75 Performance status: WHO 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm ^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times 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 times ULN Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No clinical evidence of superior vena cava syndrome Pulmonary: Postoperative FEV1 and KCO greater than 40% predicted VO2 max greater than 15 mL/min/kg (if postoperative KCO no greater than 40% predicted) Other: No other primary malignancy except carcinoma in situ of the cervix, adequately treated basal cell skin cancer, or other malignancy treated more than 5 years ago without recurrence (excluding melanoma, breast cancer, or hypernephroma) No active uncontrolled infection requiring IV antibiotics No pre-existing sensory neurotoxicity grade 2 or greater No psychological, familial, sociological, or geographical condition that would preclude study compliance Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior immunotherapy for NSCLC No concurrent immunotherapy during induction chemoradiotherapy Concurrent colony stimulating factors allowed Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for NSCLC Endocrine therapy: No concurrent anticancer hormonal agents (except corticosteroids for antiemetic prophylaxis) during induction chemoradiotherapy Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy for NSCLC Surgery: No prior surgery for NSCLC Other: No other concurrent anticancer drugs during induction chemoradiotherapy