Interleukin-2 in Treating Children With Stage IV Neuroblastoma Who Have Received Induction Therapy and Peripheral Stem Cell Transplantation

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven stage IV neuroblastoma At least stable disease after modern induction regimens and megatherapy followed by autologous stem cell reinfusion PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 1 Performance status: Lansky 80-100% Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Lymphocyte count at least 500/mm3 Platelet count at least 30,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 8 g/dL (at least 1 week since transfusional support) Blood coagulation less than 25% above upper limit of normal (ULN) for age (WHO grade 0) Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 25% above ULN for age (WHO grade 0) Renal: Creatinine less than 25% above ULN for age (WHO grade 0) Cardiovascular: No significant history or current evidence of cardiovascular disease (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, serious arrhythmias) Normal shortening fraction at cardiac ultrasonography Normal ECG Other: No evidence of active infections Normal chest x-ray Normal brain CT scan No other concurrent disease or second primary malignancy PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: See Disease Characteristics No other concurrent immunotherapy Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent corticosteroids or other hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified Other: At least 30 days since prior investigational drugs or devices No concurrent investigational drugs, agents, or devices