PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: See Disease Characteristics No prior tyrosinase:368-376 peptide, gp100:209-217 antigen, or MART-1:26-35 antigen Chemotherapy: Not specified Endocrine therapy: No concurrent steroids Radiotherapy: At least 1 month since prior radiotherapy No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Other: At least 1 month since other prior therapy, including adjuvant therapy, for melanoma No other concurrent anticancer therapy