DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Phase I: Advanced solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), that have failed conventional therapy or for which no standard effective therapy exists May have failed conventional chemotherapy for tumor type Chemotherapy naive NSCLC allowed Measurable or evaluable disease Phase II: Stage IIIB or IV NSCLC not amenable to surgery or radiotherapy with curative intent No prior chemotherapy allowed At least 1 bidimensionally measurable non-CNS indicator lesion defined by diagnostic studies Measurable disease on CT or MRI scan must have one diameter at least 1 cm and one diameter at least 2 cm Measurable disease on chest x-ray must have both diameters at least 2 cm Palpable tumor masses that cannot be evaluated radiologically must have two diameters at least 2 cm Measurable skin lesion must have at least one diameter at least 1 cm and its presence must be evaluated by a photograph At least 6 weeks since prior radiotherapy to measurable, progressive disease No brain and/or leptomeningeal metastases by CT or MRI brain scan unless asymptomatic on neurologic exam and not receiving corticosteroid therapy to control symptoms