Inositol in Preventing Lung Cancer in Patients With Bronchial Epithelial Dysplasia Who Are Current or Former Smokers

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Diagnosis of persistent bronchial dysplasia despite regular twice-daily treatment with inhaled budesonide for 6 or 12 months on protocol BCCA-CIC-98-37 Current or former smokers who have smoked at least 30 pack years Sputum cells showing AIC atypia by computer-assisted image analysis At least 2 abnormal sites on fluorescence bronchoscopy (red/green ratio at least 0.45) suspicious for bronchial dysplasia At least 1 site confirmed by bronchial biopsy Solitary dysplastic lesion allowed provided the diameter is greater than 1.5 mm No invasive cancer on bronchoscopy or abnormal low-dose spiral CT scan suspicious for lung cancer PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age 40 to 74 Performance status ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy Not specified Hematopoietic Hematologic function normal No bleeding disorder Hepatic Liver function normal Liver enzymes no greater than upper limit of normal Renal Renal function normal Cardiovascular No unstable angina No congestive heart failure Pulmonary No acute or chronic respiratory failure No acute bronchitis or pneumonia within the past month Other Fasting glucose less than 144 mg/dL Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception Willing to have a bronchoscopy No schizophrenia No bipolar disorder No diabetes No known reaction to topical xylocaine No other medical condition that would jeopardize patient safety during study participation PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy Not specified Chemotherapy No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy Not specified Radiotherapy No prior radiotherapy Surgery No prior surgery for lung cancer Other No concurrent lithium