PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No prior intrapleural therapy No systemic therapy within 2 weeks prior to randomization or 2 weeks post pleurodesis Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No new systemic chemotherapy for 2 weeks prior to and at least 2 weeks after pleurodesis Endocrine therapy: No new hormonal therapy for 2 weeks prior to and at least 2 weeks after pleurodesis No concurrent steroids used as antiemetics Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy allowed No radiotherapy to entire hemithorax Palliative irradiation of symptomatic bone lesions allowed on the affected side if field does not include a significant portion of pleura Surgery: See Disease Characteristics