OUTLINE: This is a randomized, multicenter study. Patients are stratified according to center, stage of disease (IIIB vs IV), and performance status (0 vs 1 vs 2). Patients are randomized to one of two treatment arms. Arm I: Patients receive cisplatin IV on day 1 and either gemcitabine IV or vinorelbine IV on days 1 and 8. Arm II: Patients receive gemcitabine IV and vinorelbine IV on days 1 and 8. Treatment repeats every 21 days for up to 6 courses. Quality of life is assessed prior to therapy and before each course of chemotherapy to the fourth course.