DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed limited stage small cell lung cancer Includes disease restricted to one hemithorax with regional lymph node metastases, including hilar, ipsilateral and contralateral mediastinal lymph nodes Clinically suspected or confirmed supraclavicular lymph node metastases and pleural effusions that are visible on plain chest radiographs, whether cytologically positive or not, are not eligible Unidimensionally or bidimensionally measurable disease