PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior biologic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma No concurrent immunomodulating agents Chemotherapy: No prior or concurrent chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma No concurrent cytotoxic agents Endocrine therapy: No prior endocrine therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma Surgery: Prior surgical resection of the liver allowed Other: No concurrent use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, anticoagulants including warfarin sodium (Coumadin), and epinephrine containing medications including topical anesthetics such as bupivacaine HCl No prior investigational agents within 4 weeks of study No concurrent use of probenecid or thiazides Concurrent use of analgesics and antiemetics is allowed Concurrent use of topical and other local anesthetics, locoregional nerve blocks, and systemic agents is allowed