OUTLINE: This is a randomized study. Patients are stratified by stage of disease and gender. Patients are randomized to one of two treatment arms. Arm I: Patients receive gemcitabine IV over 30 minutes on days 1 and 8, followed by carboplatin over 60 minutes on day 1. Arm II: Patients receive gemcitabine IV over 30 minutes on days 1 and 8, followed by cisplatin IV over 60 minutes on day 1. Treatment repeats every 3 weeks for up to 8 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients are followed monthly for 3 months, every two months for 6 months, and then every 3 months thereafter.