OUTLINE: This is a randomized, open label, multicenter study. Patients are stratified according to gender, ECOG performance status (0-1 vs 2), and elevated LDH (absent vs present). Patients are randomized to one of two treatment arms. Arm I: Patients receive paclitaxel IV over 3 hours on day 1 and topotecan IV over 30 minutes on days 1-5. Patients also receive filgrastim (G-CSF) subcutaneously beginning on day 6 and continuing until blood counts recover. Arm II: Patients receive cisplatin IV over 3 hours on day 1 and etoposide IV over 30 minutes on days 1-3. Treatment continues every 21 days for up to 6 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients are followed every 3 months.