Imatinib Mesylate and Paclitaxel in Treating Older Patients With Stage IIIB or Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Inclusion Criteria: * Histologic or cytologic diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer * At least one site of measurable disease, as defined by the modified RECIST criteria * Stage IIIB with pleural effusion or Stage IV disease; includes patients who received surgery alone for early stage disease, now in relapse with advanced disease; staging is according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer classification scheme, 6th edition * Total bilirubin \< 1.25 x upper limit of normal (ULN) * Baseline absolute neutrophil count \>= 1500/uL * Baseline platelet count \>= 100,000/uL * ECOG Performance Status 0, 1 or 2 at the time of informed consent * Written, voluntary consent * Patients with reproductive potential must use an acceptable contraceptive method, such methods include: 1) Male hormonal contraception; 2) Partner without reproductive potential, including post-menopausal status or history of tubal ligation; 3) Partner with intrauterine device (IUD) or contraceptive vaginal ring; 4) Partner takes oral contraceptive pill, wears contraceptive patch, or has contraceptive implant; 5) Routine use of barrier method, such as condoms or diaphragm, during sexual intercourse * AST and ALT =\< 2.5 x ULN * Creatinine =\< 1.5 x ULN Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled brain metastasis; patients with known brain metastasis must have completed treatment with surgery, radiation or both; in addition, they must be off corticosteroids * Symptomatic neuropathy (Grade 2 or higher) * Prior chemoth…