DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium (renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, or urethra) or mixed histologies containing a component of transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium with manifestations of progressing regional or metastatic cancer Clinically unsuspected organ-confined prostate cancer found during cystoprostatectomy allowed Evaluable or measurable disease No significant pericardial or pleural effusion or edema No significant ascites No CNS metastases