OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate whether the addition of the radioprotector amifostine can reduce the incidence and severity of non-hematologic toxicity, specifically esophagitis and pneumonitis, during concurrent hyperfractionated radiotherapy and chemotherapy (with paclitaxel and carboplatin) in patients with stage II, IIIA, or IIIB non-small cell lung cancer. II. Evaluate the differences in quality of life and symptom distress, specifically dysphagia, between patients receiving amifostine and those not receiving amifostine. III. Evaluate the relationship of tobacco use and alcohol use during treatment to appraisals of quality of life and symptom distress, specifically esophagitis, in the two groups. IV. Evaluate the efficacy of induction therapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin followed by concurrent chemotherapy and hyperfractionated radiotherapy in these patients.