PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: Prior neoadjuvant chemosensitization therapy allowed At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks since prior mitomycin or nitrosoureas) and recovered Prior cisplatin therapy allowed No prior chemotherapy for advanced disease Endocrine therapy: No concurrent corticosteroids Radiotherapy: At least 2 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered Surgery: Prior surgery allowed Other: No concurrent anticonvulsants No concurrent antiarrhythmic medication