Combination Chemotherapy Plus Thalidomide in Treating Patients With Stage IIIB or Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed stage IIIB (malignant pleural effusion) or stage IV non-small cell lung cancer Squamous cell carcinoma Basaloid carcinoma Adenocarcinoma Bronchoalveolar carcinoma Adenosquamous carcinoma Large cell carcinoma Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma Giant cell carcinoma Sarcomatoid carcinoma Non-small cell carcinoma not otherwise specified Measurable disease At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR At least 10 mm by spiral CT scan The following lesions are considered nonmeasurable: Bone lesions Leptomeningeal disease Ascites Pleural or pericardial effusions Abdominal masses unconfirmed by imaging techniques Cystic lesions Previously irradiated brain metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use 2 methods of effective contraception 4 weeks prior to, during, and for at least 4 weeks after thalidomide No prior seizures No other concurrent or prior malignancy within the past 5 years except inactive nonmelanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix No other serious medical or psychiatric illness that would preclude study PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent hormonal therapy except steroids for adrenal failure, hormones for non-cancer-related conditions (e.g., insulin for diabetes) or intermittent dexamethasone as an antiemetic Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy for brain metastasis allowed if neurologically stable and off steroids No concurrent palliative radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified