Combination Chemotherapy Followed by Radiation Therapy Before Surgery in Treating Patients With Stage IIIB NSCLC

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed, operable stage IIIB non-small cell lung cancer T4 N0-3 M0 or T1-4 N3 M0 by bronchoscopy and mediastinoscopy (required for assessment of N3 disease) or CT scan or MRI of the thorax Squamous cell Adenosquamous cell Large cell Poorly differentiated No prior or concurrent metastatic disease by CT scan or MRI of the brain, bone scan, and abdominal ultrasound or CT scan No malignant pleural or pericardial effusion No invasion of the aorta, esophagus, myocardium, or supraclavicular nodes PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 to 75 Performance status: WHO 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: WBC at least 4,000/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin normal AST and/or ALT no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No unstable cardiac disease requiring treatment No congestive heart failure No angina pectoris (even if medically controlled) No significant arrhythmia No myocardial infarction within the past 3 months Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No definite contraindications for the use of corticosteroids as premedication No preexisting grade 2 or greater peripheral neuropathy No active uncontrolled infection No uncontrolled diabetes mellitus No other prior or concurrent malignancy except non-melanomatous skin cancer or adequately treated carcinoma in situ of the cervix No prior significant neurologic or psychiatric disorders including psychotic disorders, dementia, or seizures that would preclude informed consent No other serious underlying medical condition that would preclude study participation No socioeconomic or geographical circumstances that would preclude study compliance PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: Not specified Endocrine therapy: No concurrent corticosteroids except as prophylactic pretreatment medication, treatment for acute hypersensitivity reactions, or chronic treatment (initiated more than 6 months ago) at low-dose (no more than 20 mg methylprednisolone or equivalent) Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy to the chest Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Other: At least 30 days since prior treatment in a clinical trial No prior cytostatic therapy No other concurrent experimental drugs