DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: - Histologically or cytologically confirmed primary transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder within the past 6 weeks - Exhibits histological evidence of muscularis propria invasion - Clinical stage T2-T4a, NX or N0, M0 disease - TCC involvement of the prostatic urethra allowed provided it was visibly completely resected AND there is no evidence of stromal invasion of the prostate - No histologically or cytologically confirmed lymph node metastases - Radiologic evidence of lymph node positivity allowed provided the lymph node is further evaluated by lymphadenectomy or percutaneous needle biopsy AND confirmed to be negative - No evidence of distant metastases - Operable disease - Has undergone transurethral resection of the bladder tumor within the past 8 weeks - Judged to be a candidate for radical cystectomy - Adequately functioning bladder after thorough evaluation by an urologist - No tumor-related hydronephrosis PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: - Zubrod performance status 0-1 - WBC ≥ 4,000/mm^3 - ANC ≥ 1,800/mm^3 - Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm^3 - Hemoglobin ≥ 10.0 g/dL (transfusion or other intervention allowed) - Creatinine clearance ≥ 60 mL/min - Serum creatinine ≤ 1.5 mg/dL (serum creatinine ≤ 1.8 mg/dL allowed provided creatinine clearance is > 60 mL/min) - Serum bilirubin ≤ 2.0 mg/dL - Not pregnant or nursing - Negative pregnancy test - Fertile patients must use effective contraception - Able to tolerate systemic chemotherapy combined with pelvic radiotherapy and a radical cystectomy as determined by the urologist, radiation oncologist, and medical oncologist - No other malignancy within the past 5 years except for nonmelanoma skin cancer, stage T1a prostate cancer, or carcinoma in situ of the cervix - No severe, active co-morbidities, including any of the following: - Unstable angina and/or congestive heart failure requiring hospitalization within the past 6 months - Transmural myocardial infarction within the past 6 months - Acute bacterial or fungal infection requiring IV antibiotics - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation or other respiratory illness that requires hospitalization or precludes study therapy - Hepatic insufficiency resulting in clinical jaundice and/or coagulation defects - AIDS - No prior allergic reaction to any of the study drugs PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: - See Disease Characteristics - No prior pelvic radiotherapy - No prior systemic chemotherapy for any cancer - No concurrent drugs that have potential nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity (e.g., aminoglycosides) - No concurrent intensity modulated radiotherapy