PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior systemic biologic response modifier therapy No concurrent filgrastim (G-CSF) within 24 hours prior to and after study chemotherapy administration Chemotherapy: No prior systemic chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior pelvic radiotherapy as a component of bladder-sparing therapy or as an adjuvant for locally advanced disease with positive margins No concurrent local radiotherapy for pain control or life-threatening situations Surgery: See Disease Characteristics