Combination Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed small cell lung cancer * Limited stage defined as disease restricted to one hemithorax with regional lymph node metastases including hilar, ipsilateral, and contralateral mediastinal lymph nodes * Measurable disease * At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR * At least 10 mm by spiral CT scan * Lesions not considered measurable include the following: * Bone lesions * Leptomeningeal disease * Ascites * Pleural/pericardial effusion * Abdominal masses not confirmed and followed by imaging techniques * Cystic lesions * Tumor lesions in a previously irradiated area * No clinically suspected or confirmed supraclavicular lymph node metastases * No pleural effusions visible on plain chest radiographs, regardless of cytology PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Performance status: * ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * Granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 * Platelet count at least 100,00/mm3 Hepatic: * Bilirubin less than 1.5 mg/dL * SGOT less than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Renal: * Creatinine no greater than ULN * Creatinine clearance no greater than 150 mL/min for men or 130 mL/min for women Other: * Not pregnant or nursing * Fertile patients must use effective contraception * No other currently active malignancy except non-melanoma skin cancer * Patients must have completed therapy for any other malignancy and be considered to be at less than 30% risk of relapse PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * No concurrent filgrastim (G-CSF) during consolidation therapy Chemotherapy: * No prior chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer * No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: * No concurrent hormonal therapy except: * Steroids for adrenal failure * Hormones for non-disease-related conditions (e.g., insulin for diabetes) * Intermittent use of dexamethasone as an antiemetic or as an adjunct to prophylactic cranial irradiation Radiotherapy: * See Disease Characteristics * No prior chest radiotherapy Surgery: * Not specified