Lymphocyte-Depleting Nonmyeloablative Preparative Chemotherapy Followed By Autologous Lymphocyte Infusion, Peptide Vaccine Plus Montanide ISA-51, and Interleukin-2 in Treating Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

OBJECTIVES: Primary * Determine the clinical tumor regression in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with a lymphocyte-depleting nonmyeloablative preparative chemotherapy regimen followed by autologous lymphocyte infusion, ESO-1 peptide vaccination comprising ESO-1:157-165 (165V) and Montanide ISA-51, and interleukin-2. Secondary * Determine the survival of the infused lymphocytes in patients treated with this regimen. * Determine the long-term immune status of patients treated with this regimen. OUTLINE: Patients are stratified according to type of lymphocyte infusion (ESO-1-reactive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes \[TIL\] vs ESO-1 reactive peripheral blood lymphocytes \[PBL\]). * Autologous lymphocyte collection and expansion: Autologous PBL or TIL are collected from patients during leukapheresis or biopsy. The cells are sensitized in vitro with ESO-1:157-165 (165V) melanoma antigen and expanded. * Lymphocyte-depleting nonmyeloablative preparative chemotherapy: Patients receive lymphocyte-depleting nonmyeloablative preparative chemotherapy comprising cyclophosphamide IV over 1 hour on days -7 and -6 and fludarabine IV over 15-30 minutes on days -5 to -1. * Autologous lymphocyte infusion: Autologous PBL or TIL are reinfused on day 0\*. Patients also receive filgrastim (G-CSF) subcutaneously (SC) once daily beginning on day 1 and continuing until blood counts recover. * ESO-1 peptide vaccination: Patients receive ESO-1 peptide vaccination comprising ESO-1:157-165 (165V) peptide emulsified in Montanide ISA-51 SC on days 0\*-4, 11, 18, and 25. * Interleukin therapy: Patients receive interleukin-2 IV over 15 minutes 3 times daily on days 0\*-4. NOTE: \*Day 0 is 1-4 days after the last dose of fludarabine. Patients achieving stable disease or partial response may receive up to 1 retreatment course. Patients with progressive disease after infusion of PBL may receive retreatment with TIL, if available. Patients are followed at 4-5 weeks, every 3-4 months for 2 years, and then annually thereafter. PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 24-74 patients (12-37 per stratum) will be accrued for this study within 2-3 years.