Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors

You may be eligible if

• DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytopathologically proven advanced solid tumors for which no conventional therapy exists or that is refractory to standard therapy No primary brain tumors or active brain metastases, including known evidence of cerebral edema by CT or MRI, known tumor progression from prior imaging studies or clinical symptoms of/from brain metastases
• PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Greater than 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count greater than 1,500/mm3 Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin greater than 9 g/dL Hepatic: Bilirubin normal PT or PTT normal ALT or AST less than 2.5 times upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No myocardial infarction, stroke, or congestive heart failure within 3 months Other: HIV negative Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No history of gastrointestinal disorders that interfere with absorption of COL-3 No active infections or other medical illnesses No psychological or social problems No emotional disorder or substance abuse No hypersensitivity to tetracycline or its derivative
• PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since chemotherapy At least 6 weeks since nitrosoureas or mitomycin At least 3 months since suramin Endocrine therapy: No concurrent steroids Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior large field radiation therapy (greater than 20% of total bone marrow) Surgery: At least 14 days since major surgery No major upper gastrointestinal surgery Other: No concurrent anticonvulsant medications