PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 3 weeks since prior packed red blood cell transfusion At least 1 week since prior platelet transfusion or hematopoietic growth factors No concurrent growth factors earlier than 24 hours after study drug Chemotherapy: At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for nitrosourea or mitomycin) and recovered No other concurrent antineoplastic agents Endocrine therapy: At least 3 weeks since prior hormonal therapy and recovered Concurrent megestrol allowed No other concurrent hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered Prior or concurrent palliative radiotherapy to peripheral bone lesion, spinal cord compression, or imminent fracture allowed only if less than 10% of bone marrow involved Surgery: No prior significant surgical resection of the stomach or small bowel At least 2 weeks since prior surgery Other: No other concurrent experimental or anticancer drugs or devices At least 1 week since prior products or drugs known to induce or inhibit the enzymatic activity of vinorelbine (e.g., antihistamines, phenobarbital, meprobamate, some antiepileptics, or grapefruit juice) No concurrent products or drugs known to induce or inhibit the enzymatic activity of vinorelbine No concurrent opiates or laxatives