DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma Bidimensionally measurable lesions that have not been irradiated Minimum indicator lesion size: Liver, soft tissue, or other masses - one diameter at least 20 mm (evaluable only radiographically) Lung - one diameter at least 10 mm by x-ray or CT scan Skin lesions and lymph nodes - one diameter at least 10 mm by clinical measurement No clinical or radiologic evidence of CNS metastases