DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Pathologically proven stage III or IV melanoma at high risk for recurrence following surgical resection The following patients are eligible: Resected satellite or intransit metastasis with no evidence of residual disease OR Resected solitary metastatic lesion(s) with no residual disease OR Metastatic melanoma with measurable disease without noncutaneous lesion(s) greater than 5 cm in diameter OR Stage III disease not eligible for interferon alfa therapy No active CNS disease