DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell, or adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, or urethra Progressing regional or metastatic disease after one prior systemic or intra- arterial chemotherapy regimen Bidimensionally measurable disease, e. g.: Pulmonary nodules Palpable lymph nodes Cutaneous or subcutaneous nodules Mediastinal tumor or hepatic metastases if clearly measurable on CT No prior radiotherapy to indicator lesion unless documented progression since completion of radiotherapy