OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the maximum tolerated dose of SR-45023A in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors that are refractory or for which no standard therapy exists. II. Determine the quantitative toxic effects of SR-45023A in these patients. III. Assess the pharmacokinetic profile of SR-45023A in these patients. IV. Identify the antitumor activity of SR-45023A in these patients.