OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the maximum tolerated dose of paclitaxel when combined with cisplatin and irinotecan in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors. II. Determine the dose limiting toxicity of paclitaxel when combined with cisplatin and irinotecan in this patient population. III. Establish the recommended phase II dose for this regimen in this patient population. IV. Assess the antitumor activity of this regimen in selected solid tumor malignancies.