OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the maximum tolerated dose of MEN-10755 in patients with solid tumors. II. Determine the qualitative and quantitative toxic effects of this drug and study the predictability, duration, intensity, onset, reversibility and dose relationship of the toxic effects in this patient population. III. Propose a safe dose for phase II study. IV. Study the pharmacokinetics of this drug at different dose levels in this patient population. V. Document any possible antitumor activity of this drug in this patient population.