Combination Chemotherapy and Exisulind in Treating Patients With Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

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