OUTLINE: This is a randomized study. Patients are stratified by stage (optimal stage III vs suboptimal stage III vs stage IV), prior treatments with paclitaxel (over at least 24 hours vs over less than 24 hours), and age (65 and under vs over 65). Patients are randomized to one of two treatment arms. Arm I: Patients receive paclitaxel IV over 3 hours on day 1. Treatment continues every 4 weeks for 3 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Arm II: Patients receive paclitaxel IV over 3 hours on day 1. Treatment continues every 4 weeks for 12 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients are followed every 3 months until disease progression or 1 year from registration, then every 6 months for 2 years, and then annually thereafter.