DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed advanced refractory cancer Must meet one of the following criteria: - Failed at least 1 regimen of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy and not a candidate for a regimen of higher efficacy - Refractory to existing standard therapy and not candidate for a regimen of higher efficacy - Advanced malignancy for which there is no standard chemotherapy available No known brain metastases or leptomeningeal involvement