PS-341 in Treating Patients With Metastatic Kidney Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

Histologically or cytologically confirmed metastatic renal cell cancer

Measurable disease

At least 2.0 cm in at least 1 dimension by physical exam OR at least 1.0 cm in at least 1 dimension by radiologic exam
Single measurable lesion must not be within prior radiotherapy portal

Tumor lesion amenable to core biopsy

At least 1 cm of tumor obtainable

No active CNS metastatic disease

Single previously resected CNS metastasis allowed provided no disease progression 8 weeks after therapy and no longer requiring steroids or antiseizure medications

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

18 and over

Performance status:

Not specified

Life expectancy:

More than 3 months

Hematopoietic:

WBC at least 3,000/mm^3
Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3
Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3

Hepatic:

Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
AST/ALT no greater than 2.5 times ULN

Renal:

Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL

Cardiovascular:

No symptomatic congestive heart failure
No unstable angina pectoris
No cardiac arrhythmia

Other:

No other uncontrolled concurrent illness
No ongoing or active infection
No psychiatric illness or social situation that would preclude study compliance
Not pregnant or nursing
Negative pregnancy test
Fertile patients must use effective barrier-method contraception during and for 3 months after study participation

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

Prior immunotherapy or biotherapy allowed

Chemotherapy:

No prior chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy:

See Disease Characteristics

Radiotherapy:

See Disease Characteristics
At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy
No prior radiotherapy to 25% or more of bone marrow (i.e., whole pelvis)

Surgery:

See Disease Characteristics

Other:

No other concurrent investigational agents
No concurrent combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive patients