Thalidomide in Treating Patients With Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed low-grade neuroendocrine tumors Carcinoid tumors Islet cell tumors Metastatic disease Progression of disease within past 4 weeks by radiological evidence At least 1 bidimensionally measurable lesion by CT scan or MRI Bone metastasis not considered measurable if only site of disease No active brain metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Performance status: Karnofsky 70-100% 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 normal AST no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN OR Creatinine clearance at least 50 mL/min Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use 2 forms of effective contraception for 4 weeks before, during, and for 4 weeks after study No grade 2 or greater neuropathy No other clinical circumstances that would preclude study No other prior malignancy except: Non-melanoma skin cancer Other cancer that has been curatively treated, has had no evidence of recurrence within the past 5 years, and is at low risk for recurrence PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior thalidomide No concurrent interferon Chemotherapy: No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: At least 4 weeks since prior major surgery Other: No more than 1 prior systemic therapy regimen At least 4 weeks since prior systemic therapy regimen No other concurrent therapeutic agent