DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven solid tumor with parenchymal brain metastasis Solitary metastasis eligible only if refused surgery or surgical resection deemed inappropriate No leptomeningeal metastases or subarachnoid spread of tumor No small cell lung cancer, germ cell tumors, lymphoma, or leukemia No liver metastases, unless from breast cancer No more than 1 site of extracranial metastases (multiple bone or lung metastases count as one site), unless from breast cancer Hormone receptor status: Not specified