PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Prior immunomodulators allowed for pleurodesis No concurrent immunotherapy Chemotherapy: No prior systemic chemotherapy At least 1 week since prior bleomycin for pleurodesis Prior intracavitary cytotoxic drugs allowed for pleurodesis No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent hormonal anticancer therapy Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy to target lesion Lesion must be clearly progressive No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics No concurrent surgery for cancer Other: At least 4 weeks since any other prior investigational agent No concurrent aspirin or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug from 2 days prior to 2 days after study (5 days prior for long acting agents such as piroxicam, naproxen, diflunisal, or nabumetone) No other concurrent experimental medications