DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically or cytologically confirmed small cell lung cancer

• At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion

  • At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR
  • At least 10 mm by spiral CT scan

  • Lesions considered nonmeasurable include:

    • Bone lesions
    • Leptomeningeal disease
    • Ascites
    • Pleural/pericardial effusion
    • Abdominal masses that are not confirmed and followed by imaging techniques
    • Cystic lesions
    • Tumor lesions situated in a previously irradiated area
• Must not be considered for combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy
• No active CNS metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

• 18 and over

Performance status:

• ECOG 0-2

Life expectancy:

• Not specified

Hematopoietic:

• Granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm^3
• Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3

Hepatic:

• Bilirubin normal
• AST no greater than 2 times ULN
• No clinically significant hepatic disease

Renal:

• Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL OR
• Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min
• No clinically significant renal disease

Cardiovascular:

• No clinically significant cardiac disease

Other:

• Not pregnant or nursing
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• No concurrent uncontrolled illness
• No known sensitivity to sulindac

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

• Not specified

Chemotherapy:

• See Disease Characteristics
• No prior chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer
• No other concurrent chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy:

• No concurrent hormonal agents except:

  • Steroids for adrenal failure
  • Hormones for nondisease-related conditions (e.g., insulin for diabetes)
  • Intermittent use of dexamethasone as an antiemetic

Radiotherapy:

• See Disease Characteristics
• At least 2 weeks since prior radiotherapy, including for palliation
• No concurrent radiotherapy

Surgery:

• Not specified

Other:

• More than 7 days since prior sulindac
• No concurrent sulindac