UCN-01 in Treating Patients With Advanced or Metastatic Kidney Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed stage IV or unresectable stage III renal cell carcinoma Metastatic disease must be amenable to biopsy or appropriate for nephrectomy before study therapy At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR at least 10 mm by spiral CT scan No known prior or concurrent CNS metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 OR Karnofsky 60-100% 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/ALT no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine normal OR Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No history of clinically significant coronary artery disease No symptomatic cardiac dysfunction No symptomatic congestive heart failure No unstable angina pectoris No cardiac arrhythmia Pulmonary: No symptomatic pulmonary dysfunction Other: No prior allergic reactions to compounds of similar chemical or biological composition to UCN-01 No other uncontrolled concurrent illness No active or ongoing infection No known immune deficiency No psychiatric illness or social situation that would preclude study compliance No insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 6 months after study participation PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for nitrosoureas or mitomycin) and recovered Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered No prior mediastinal radiation Surgery: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior nephrectomy Other: No more than 2 prior systemic therapies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma No other concurrent investigational agents