DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Phase I portion (closed for accrual after the maximum tolerated dose and dose limiting toxicity were determined) Histologically or cytologically confirmed advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or other solid tumor for which no standard curative treatment exists Phase II portion (open for accrual): Histologically proven stage IV NSCLC without prior chemotherapy Measurable or evaluable disease No primary brain tumors Brain metastases allowed if controlled by radiation or stereotactic radiosurgery No lymphoproliferative disease No HIV related malignancies