OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the qualitative and quantitative toxicities of intraperitoneal aminocamptothecin colloidal dispersion administered every 28 days in 6 applications over a 12 day period in patients with advanced cancer confined to the peritoneal cavity. II. Determine the maximum tolerated dose of aminocamptothecin colloidal dispersion on this novel schedule in this patient population. III. Obtain pharmacological and biochemical data as potential predictors of responses and/or drug toxicities in these patients. IV. Document the presence and degree of antitumor activity of this regimen in this patient population.