Paclitaxel in Treating Patients With Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically proven bronchoalveolar carcinoma (BAC) based on these criteria: * Absence of primary adenocarcinoma elsewhere * Absence of a demonstrable central bronchogenic origin * A peripheral location in the lung parenchyma * Intact interstitial framework of the lung * A histological appearance setting it apart from other tumors, with a characteristic pattern of growth: cuboidal or cylindrical cells lining up the alveolar septa with preservation of basic pulmonary architecture * Must be unresectable Stage IIIB, IV, or recurrent BAC * Evidence of multinodular lesions involving the lungs bilaterally or unilaterally (in the latter the lesions must involve more than one lobe) * At least one target lesion bidimensionally measurable that has not undergone prior irradiation * No CNS disease PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 to 75 (inclusive) Performance status: * ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: * Greater than 3 months Hematopoietic: * ANC at least 1,500/mm\^3 Hepatic: * Bilirubin less than 2 times upper limit of normal * SGOT, SGPT, and alkaline phosphatase less than 2 times upper limit of normal Renal: * Creatinine less than 1.5 times upper limit of normal Cardiovascular: * No history of ischemic or congestive heart disease * No arrhythmia requiring chronic cardiopulmonary medications * No history of clinically or electrographically documented myocardial infarction Other: * No preexisting motor or other serious sensory neurotoxicity * No active or prior second primary cancer except basal cell carcinoma of the skin or carcinoma in situ of the cervix * No clinical evidence of uncontrolled infection * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test 72 hours prior to start of study medication * Adequate contraception required of all fertile patients PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * Not specified Chemotherapy: * No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: * Not specified Radiotherapy: * At least 4 weeks since radiotherapy * Must have at least one bidimensional lesion outside the irradiated fields Surgery: * Fully recovered from any prior major surgery