DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically and/or cytologically confirmed advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer considered incurable with standard surgery or irradiation No active brain metastases as indicated by clinical symptoms, cerebral edema, and/or progressive growth

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: WHO 0-1 that has not worsened within the past 7 days Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.25 times upper limit of normal (ULN) ALT/AST no greater than 2.5 times ULN (5 times ULN if liver metastases) Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.25 times ULN No greater than a trace of blood or protein on urine labstix test Cardiovascular: No prior history of clinically significant cardiac dysrhythmia, first degree heart block, or other severe cardiac disease Opthalmologic: No potentially visually threatening epithelial abnormality of the cornea other than scars, congenital abnormality, or corneal tear film (e.g., neurotrophic keratitis, corneal edema, or recurrent erosions) No signs and symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca No concurrent use of contact lenses Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No other malignancies within the past 5 years except basal cell carcinoma or carcinoma in situ of the cervix No evidence of severe or uncontrolled systemic diseases (e.g., hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV) No known chronic conditions No active dermatoses involving the face No evidence of any other significant clinical disorder or laboratory finding that would preclude study participation

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior biologic therapy for non-small cell lung cancer No concurrent biologic response modifiers Concurrent filgrastim (G-CSF) allowed only for persistent neutropenia despite dose reductions in prior course Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer Endocrine therapy: No concurrent hormonal therapy No concurrent tamoxifen Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 2 weeks since prior radiotherapy No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Recovered from prior oncologic or other major surgery Other: No other concurrent anticancer therapy No other concurrent investigational agents No concurrent drugs with known significant 3A4 inhibitory effects (i.e., ketoconazole, itraconazole, troleandomycin, erythromycin, diltiazem, verapamil) No concurrent hydroxychloroquine, amiodarone, or chlorpromazine No concurrent topical eye medication