DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma that has failed standard local modalities for local disease and/or effective systemic therapy for metastatic disease, or for which other forms of systemic therapy have been refused Eligible sites include but are not limited to: Uterine cervix Head and neck Skin Esophagus Lung Penis Measurable or evaluable disease required Measurable disease defined as previously unirradiated disease reproducibly measurable in 2 dimensions by physical exam, x-ray, CT, MRI, or other radiologic procedure Documented progressive disease in a previously irradiated site is accepted as measurable Evaluable disease includes: Any visible radiologic disease not measurable in 2 perpendicular diameters Elevated squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) No active brain metastases Previously treated brain metastases that have responded to therapy do not exclude, but CNS disease is not considered measurable or evaluable