OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the activity of glufosfamide as determined by objective response in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. II. Determine the response rate in this patient population after this treatment. III. Determine the duration of objective response in these patients treated with this drug. IV. Characterize the toxicities of this drug in these patients. V. Assess the impact of the hydration scheme on the toxicity profile (renal function) of this drug in these patients. VI. Assess the pharmacokinetic profile of this drug in these patients.