DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically documented melanoma that is metastatic or unresectable and unresponsive to conventional chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy Measurable or evaluable disease required Measurable disease defined as bidimensionally measurable lesion on physical exam, x-ray, or MRI Evaluable disease defined as: Unidimensionally measurable lesion on x-ray, scan, or photograph Disease assessable by serial chemistries, tumor markers, or nonspecific scans Disease assessable by functional manifestations (e.g., change in performance status, 10% or greater change in weight) Previously irradiated lesion with subsequent disease progression documented Bone-only lesions may be considered evaluable (lytic lesion on x-ray or bone scan should be followed) No metastases on CT or MRI involving more than 50% of the liver No uncontrolled or untreated CNS metastases