DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) Stage IIIB or IV Newly diagnosed or recurrent disease Measurable lesions At least 10 mm by spiral CT scan OR At least 20 mm by conventional techniques Previously irradiated lesions are considered measurable provided they progressed or appeared after completion of radiotherapy The following are considered nonmeasurable: Pleural or pericardial effusions Cystic lesions Lymphangitis pulmonis Bony x-ray abnormalities Abnormal scans with nonmeasurable filling defects No symptomatic brain metastasis or CNS involvement by CT scan or MRI

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 70-100% 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 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) SGOT no greater than 2 times ULN Renal: Creatinine normal Other: No other malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated carcinoma in situ of the cervix or basal cell carcinoma that is not likely to recur No history of allergic reactions to diuretics or antiemetics (e.g., 5-HT3 antagonists) used on this study Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 3 months after study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior immunotherapy or biologic therapy for NSCLC Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for NSCLC No prior platinum-based chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics No prior radiotherapy to potential indicator lesion(s) At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered Surgery: Recovered from prior surgical procedure(s) Other: At least 30 days since prior investigational drug