PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior immunologic therapy No other concurrent systemic immunotherapy for cancer Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy No concurrent systemic chemotherapy for cancer Endocrine therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior corticosteroids No concurrent corticosteroids Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Other: At least 4 weeks since prior immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate) No concurrent immunosuppressants Concurrent nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs for pain palliation allowed