PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 3 weeks since prior biologic therapy No concurrent immunotherapy Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: At least 3 weeks since prior hormonal therapy No concurrent hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: No prior chest radiotherapy At least 3 weeks since other prior radiotherapy No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: Prior pleurodesis or chest surgery on the same side of the effusion is allowed as long as there is a free flowing pleural effusion without loculation At least 2 weeks since major surgery other than biopsy Other: At least 3 weeks since use of any other investigational medication No concurrent use of any other investigational medications