Paclitaxel in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed non-small cell lung cancer with documented recurrent or refractory disease Progressive disease at more than 3 months from completion of first line chemotherapy OR Progressive disease during first line chemotherapy Clinically stable CNS metastases allowed

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,500/mm3 Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 9.0 g/dL Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL AST no greater than 5 times upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No clinically significant bradyarrhythmias Other: Neuropathy less than grade 2 Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior immunotherapy Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Must have had at least 1 prior first line chemotherapy regimen for metastatic or locally advanced disease One prior paclitaxel regimen (every 3 week schedule) allowed if no progressive disease at less than 3 months from completion of therapy At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 2 weeks since prior radiotherapy (indicator lesions within the radiation port must have progressed since completion of therapy) Surgery: Not specified