OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the qualitative and quantitative toxicity of SU5416 in pediatric patients with recurrent or progressive brain tumors. II. Determine the acute and chronic dose-limiting toxicity and cumulative toxicity of this regimen in these patients. III. Determine the maximum tolerated dose and pharmacokinetics of this regimen in this patient population. IV. Determine the effects of hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs, such as anticonvulsant agents, on the pharmacokinetics of this regimen in these patients. V. Determine the efficacy, in a preliminary manner, of this regimen in these patients.