OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the safety and tolerability of VX-853 in combination with doxorubicin HCl liposome in patients with relapsed or incurable solid tumors. II. Obtain pharmacokinetic profiles for various dosages of VX-853 administered in combination with doxorubicin HCl liposome. III. Achieve whole blood concentrations of VX-853 in the predicted therapeutically effective range and characterize the pharmacokinetics at these doses. IV. Document antitumor effects of VX-853 in combination with doxorubicin HCl liposome in these patients.