PEG-Interferon Alfa-2b, Sargramostim, and Thalidomide in Treating Patients With Metastatic Kidney Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

Histologically confirmed renal cell carcinoma

Metastatic disease

Measurable disease

Unidimensionally measurable lesion ≥ 20 mm by conventional techniques OR ≥ 10 mm by spiral CT scan or MRI

Histologic confirmation required if measurable disease is confined to a solitary lesion

The following are not considered measurable disease:

Bone disease only
Pleural or peritoneal metastases
CNS lesions
Irradiated lesions unless disease progression was documented after prior radiotherapy

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age

18 and over

Performance status

ECOG 0-2

Life expectancy

Not specified

Hematopoietic

Granulocyte count ≥ 1,500/mm^3
Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm^3

Hepatic

Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dL
No decompensated liver disease

Renal

Creatinine ≤ 2.0 mg/dL

Immunologic

No known or suspected hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or to any excipient or vehicle included in the formulation or delivery system
No history of autoimmune disease
No autoimmune hepatitis
No immunosuppressed transplantation recipients

Other

Not pregnant or nursing
Negative pregnancy test
Fertile patients must use 2 effective methods of contraception 4 weeks before, during, and for 4 weeks after study participation
No pre-existing thyroid abnormalities for which thyroid function cannot be maintained in the normal range
No severe psychiatric condition or disorder, including suicidal ideation or attempt
No other active malignancy except nonmelanoma skin cancer

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy

No prior immunotherapy

Chemotherapy

Not specified

Endocrine therapy

Not specified

Radiotherapy

See Disease Characteristics
More than 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy

Surgery

Not specified