DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed diagnosis of unresectable malignant mesothelioma of the pleura Epithelial, fibrosarcomatous, or mixed type Bidimensionally measurable disease No CNS metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: SWOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,000/mm3 Platelet count at least lower limit of normal Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL SGOT or SGPT no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2 times ULN AND Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No other prior malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or adequately treated stage I or II cancer currently in complete remission Must have chest x-ray within the past 28 days

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Concurrent hormones for non-disease-related conditions allowed Concurrent steroids for antiemesis, adrenal failure, or septic shock allowed Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: At least 4 weeks since prior major surgery and recovered