OBJECTIVES: I. Compare the overall survival and survival without recurrence of patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer after receiving cisplatin and etoposide with or without epirubicin and cyclophosphamide. II. Compare the relative dose and intensity of cisplatin and etoposide between the two groups of patients. III. Compare the complete and objective response rate and quality of life of these patients. IV. Compare the toxic effects of these 2 regimens in these patients.