PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior cytotoxic chemotherapy No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Prior glucocorticoids allowed (less than 10 day course) for urgent local disease at diagnosis (e.g., cord compression, superior vena cava syndrome) No concurrent dexamethasone (except as indicated by protocol) or other steroidal antiemetics No concurrent hormonal therapy except for non-disease related conditions Radiotherapy: Prior limited field radiotherapy allowed Surgery: Not specified