Vinorelbine and Bevacizumab in Treating Older Patients With Stage III or Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) Stage IIIB (any T, N3, M0 OR T4, any N, M0, OR pleural effusion) OR stage IV (any T, any N, M1) disease Mixed tumors will be categorized by the predominant cell type unless small cell elements are present, in which case the patient is ineligible Measurable or evaluable disease No lung carcinoma of squamous cell histology or any histology in close proximity to a major vessel or cavitation No known brain metastases, even if treated PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: No other malignancies within the past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer ECOG performance status 0-1 Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,500/mm³ Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm³ Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dL Transaminases ≤ 5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Creatinine ≤ 1.5 times ULN Urine protein:creatinine ratio < 1 INR ≤ 1.5 PTT normal No prior ileus or neuropathy compromising use of vinorelbine ditartate Patients with a history of hypertension must be well controlled (blood pressure < 150/100 mm Hg) on a stable regimen of antihypertensive therapy None of the following conditions: Unstable angina New York Heart Association grade II-IV congestive heart failure Myocardial infarction within the past 6 months Stroke within the past 6 months Evidence of bleeding diathesis or coagulopathy Clinically significant peripheral vascular disease Serious, nonhealing wound, ulcer, or bone fracture History of hemoptysis (bright red blood ≥ ½ teaspoon) No significant traumatic injury within the past 4 weeks No abdominal fistula, gastrointestinal perforation, or intra-abdominal abscess within the past 6 months Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No prior chemotherapy for NSCLC More than 4 weeks since prior and no concurrent participation in another experimental drug study More than 4 weeks since prior immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, or radiotherapy and recovered More than 28 days since prior major surgical procedure or open biopsy No anticipation of need for major surgery during course of trial More than 7 days since prior minor surgical procedures (e.g., fine-needle aspiration or core biopsy) No concurrent full-dose anticoagulation therapy for thromboembolic disease, aspirin (> 325 mg/day), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs