DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed stage IIIB with metastatic pleural effusion or metastatic stage IV non-small cell lung cancer Large cell Adenocarcinoma Squamous cell Bronchioalveolar carcinoma Undifferentiated No small cell or carcinoid histologies At least 1 bidimensionally measurable or evaluable indicator lesion Measurable or evaluable indicator lesion(s) must be completely outside the radiation portal or there must be proof of disease progression No current CNS metastases at study entry No meningeal carcinomatosis