DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Cytologically confirmed unilateral malignant pleural effusion or exudative effusion with positive biopsy from any tumor type No chylous effusion Drainage of effusion with chest tube or soft catheter required Lung re-expansion demonstrated on chest x-ray Continuing drainage less than 250 mL/24 hours (or equivalent measured over 4 hours)

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Hematopoietic: (within 2 weeks prior to entry) WBC greater than 2,000 Platelets greater than 50,000 Hepatic: Not specified Renal: (within 2 weeks prior to entry) Creatinine less than 2.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance greater than 40 mL/min Other: No pregnant or nursing women Adequate contraception required of fertile patients

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No prior sclerosing agents on the affected side No prior intrapleural therapy No change in systemic therapy for at least 2 weeks prior to randomization Biologic therapy: Not specified

Chemotherapy: No prior systemic bleomycin Systemic chemotherapy allowed after pleurodesis Endocrine therapy:

Hormone therapy allowed after pleurodesis Radiotherapy: No significant radiotherapy to affected hemithorax Irradiation of painful bone lesions allowed on the affected side if field does not include a significant portion of the pleura Surgery: See Disease Characteristics No prior thoracoscopic lysis of adhesions on the affected side