PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 6 weeks since prior immunotherapy (e.g., interleukin-2, interferon alfa, or autolymphocyte therapy) No other concurrent immunotherapy Chemotherapy: At least 6 weeks since prior chemotherapy and recovered No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: At least 6 weeks since prior steroid therapy and recovered No concurrent steroid therapy Radiotherapy: At least 6 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered No concurrent local or palliative radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics At least 6 weeks since other prior major surgery and recovered No prior radical nephrectomy Other: No concurrent immunosuppressive agents (e.g., azathioprine or cyclosporine)