Fenretinide in Treating Patients With Recurrent Small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed recurrent small cell lung cancer (SCLC) after platinum-containing chemotherapy regimen with or without thoracic radiotherapy Limited stage or extensive stage SCLC Measurable disease At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR At least 10 mm with spiral CT scan No pleural effusions, bone metastases, brain metastases, or abnormal radionucleotide scans as sole evidence of disease No symptomatic or uncontrolled brain or leptomeningeal disease Previously treated brain metastases allowed if neurologically stable PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Zubrod 0-2 Hematopoietic: WBC at least 2,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least 70,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL SGOT no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No symptomatic heart disease No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception for 1 month before, during, and for 2 months after study No pre-existing retinal degenerative disease (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa or associated disorders) No other serious concurrent illness No other malignancy within the past 5 years except localized nonmelanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in situ PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Chemotherapy: At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy No more than 2 prior chemotherapy regimens Endocrine therapy: Concurrent steroids allowed at stable dose Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy to study lesions Other: At least 3 weeks since prior systemic retinoid or carotenoid therapy No concurrent anticonvulsants