DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven, surgically resected stage III melanoma Clinically positive nodes AND/OR At least 2 histologically positive nodes HLA-A2, A3, A11, or A26 positive Intact cellular immunity as evidenced by at least 5 mm reaction at 48 hours to at least 1 of the following recall antigens: PPD Mumps Candida Streptokinase streptodornase OR able to be sensitized to dinitrochlorobenzene