DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed extensive stage small cell carcinoma of the bronchus Extrathoracic metastatic disease, malignant pleural effusion, bilateral or contralateral supraclavicular adenopathy or contralateral hilar adenopathy Measurable disease One lesion that measures at least 20 mm in diameter using conventional techniques or at least 10 mm with spiral CT scan Lesions not considered measurable include: Bone lesions Leptomeningeal disease Ascites Pleural/pericardial effusion Cystic lesions Tumor lesions situated in a previously irradiated area Abdominal masses not confirmed and followed by imaging techniques No disease restricted to one hemithorax with regional lymph node metastases, including hilar, ipsilateral and contralateral mediastinal, and/or ipsilateral supraclavicular nodes