DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed metastatic germ cell tumor Seminoma OR Nonseminoma Measurable disease Abnormalities on radiograph OR Alpha fetoprotein greater than 15 ng/mL OR Beta human chorionic gonadotropin greater than 2.2 mIU/L At least one measurable disease site that has not received prior radiotherapy Refractory to prior cisplatin and failed, not eligible for, or refused autologous bone marrow transplantation