Vinorelbine in Treating Older Patients With Stage IIIB or Stage IV Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed stage IIIB or IV non-small cell lung cancer Measurable disease At least 1 lesion that is 2.0 cm or more in longest diameter CNS metastases allowed if previously treated and clinically stable for at least 8 weeks prior to study No meningeal carcinomatosis Participation in translational research component of this study is mandatory PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 65 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 10.0 g/dL Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal Other: No dysphagia or inability to swallow capsules intact No peripheral neuropathy grade 2 or greater No other significant medical condition that would preclude study No active infection within the past 2 weeks No other malignancy within the past 5 years PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for this disease within the past 5 years Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered No prior radiotherapy to more than 25% of bone marrow No prior radiotherapy to measurable lesion unless documented progression after therapy No concurrent radiotherapy, including palliative radiotherapy Surgery: At least 3 weeks since prior major surgery