OUTLINE: This is a randomized study. Patients are stratified according to performance status and gender. Patients are randomized to one of two treatment arms. Arm I: Patients receive cisplatin IV on day 1 and etoposide IV over 1 hour on days 1-3. Arm II: Patients receive paclitaxel IV over 3 hours on day 1 and cisplatin and etoposide as in arm I. Patients then receive filgrastim (G-CSF) subcutaneously on days 4-18. Treatment repeats in both arms every 21 days for up to 6 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients are followed at least every 2 months for 2 years, every 4 months for 1 year, and then at least every 6 months for 2 years.