BMS-247550 in Treating Patients With Stage IV Melanoma

Inclusion Criteria: Histologically or cytologically confirmed stage IV melanoma At least 1 measurable lesion Greater than 20 mm by conventional techniques Greater than 10 mm by spiral CT scan Known brain metastases allowed if all of the following criteria are met: Radiologically stable for at least 6 weeks after completion of whole brain radiotherapy Stable at time of study No mass effect present radiologically No concurrent steroids to control symptoms of brain metastases Performance status - ECOG 0-2 Performance status - Karnofsky 60-100% At least 3 months Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Bilirubin normal AST/ALT no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN No symptomatic congestive heart failure No unstable angina pectoris No cardiac arrhythmia Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No prior severe allergic reactions (grade III or IV or grade II not responsive to steroids) to taxanes or medications containing Cremophor EL No pre-existing grade 2 or greater peripheral neuropathy No HIV-positive patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy No other concurrent uncontrolled illness No ongoing or active infection No psychiatric illness that would preclude study Prior vaccine therapy allowed Prior immunotherapy (e.g., interleukin-2 or interferon) allowed Stratum I: No prior chemotherapy Stratum II: No more than 2 prior chemotherapy regimens (must have included dacarbazine or temozolomide) See Disease Characteristics See Disease Characteristics Prior limb-perfusion therapy allowed (stratum II) No other concurrent investigational or commercial agents or therapies intended to treat malignancy No concurrent Hypericum perforatum