Topotecan, Paclitaxel, and Filgrastim in Treating Patients With Previously Untreated Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed previously untreated small cell lung cancer No mixed histology Extensive disease Metastatic disease outside the chest Contralateral supraclavicular nodes or contralateral hilar nodes outside a single radiation port OR Cytologically proven malignant pleural effusion Measurable or evaluable disease No untreated CNS metastases CNS metastases previously treated with whole brain radiotherapy allowed PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: AST no greater than 5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 5 times ULN Total bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times ULN OR Direct bilirubin normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than ULN OR Creatinine clearance at least 50 mL/min Cardiovascular: No uncontrolled angina pectoris No congestive heart failure within the past 3 months, unless ejection fraction greater than 40% No uncontrolled arrhythmias No myocardial infarction within the past 3 months Other: No significant infection No hypersensitivity to E. coli derivatives No other malignancy within the past 3 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or localized prostate cancer Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: At least 10 years since prior chemotherapy No prior nitrosourea based chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 10 years since prior thoracic radiotherapy No more than 3 fractions of prior thoracic radiotherapy for superior vena cava syndrome Prior palliative radiotherapy except to the chest allowed No prior radiotherapy to at least 20% bone marrow No concurrent radiotherapy (including thoracic), except whole brain radiotherapy for CNS progression Surgery: At least 3 weeks since prior major surgery