Comparison of Two Combination Chemotherapy Regimens in Treating Patients With Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

INCLUSION CRITERIA: * Extensive stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with measurable disease, evaluated within 2 weeks prior to randomization * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-3 * Disease-free for \>=5 years if had a prior second malignancy other than treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, or carcinoma in situ of the cervix * Adequate hematologic, hepatic and renal function determined by the following tests, within 4 weeks prior to randomization: white blood cell (WBC) \>=4000/mm3 and platelets \>=100,000/mm3; bilirubin \<= upper limit of normal; serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) or alanine transaminase (ALT) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) or aspartate transaminase( AST) \<=2.5 x upper limit of normal if no demonstrable liver metastases or \<=5 times upper limit of normal in the presence of liver metastases; Calculated creatinine clearance \>=30 using the formulas in the protocol * Age 18 and older * Strongly advised to use an accepted and effective method of contraception * Those with central nervous system (CNS) metastases were eligible if the metastases were treated without advancing symptoms prior to the initiation of chemotherapy * Those receiving erythropoietin could continue to receive it EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Prior radiotherapy for lung cancer; Prior radiotherapy allowed only for central nervous system (CNS) metastases * Prior chemotherapy for this disease * Pregnant or lactating