Beta-Glucan and Monoclonal Antibody in Treating Patients With Metastatic Neuroblastoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed high-risk stage 4 metastatic neuroblastoma May be confirmed by bone marrow involvement and elevated urinary catecholamines Progressive or persistent disease after intensive conventional chemotherapy that included induction with N6, N7, N8, or COG protocol with or without bone marrow or stem cell transplantation Poor long-term prognosis as defined by any of the following: N-myc amplification in tumor cells Diploid chromosomal content plus 1p loss of heterozygosity in tumor cells Distant skeletal metastases Unresectable primary tumor infiltrating across the midline More than 10% tumor cells in bone marrow Measurable or evaluable disease documented at least 4 weeks after completion of prior systemic therapy PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Under 50 Performance status: Not specified Life expectancy: See Disease Characteristics Hematopoietic: Platelet count greater than 25,000/mm^3 Absolute neutrophil count greater than 500/mm^3 Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min Other: No severe major organ toxicity No active life-threatening infections No prior allergy to mouse proteins No prior allergy to beta-glucan, oats, barley, mushrooms, or yeast Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: See Disease Characteristics No prior exposure to mouse antibodies and human anti-mouse antibody greater than 1,000 ELISA units/mL Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: Not specified Other: No other concurrent supplemental beta-glucan either as food (e.g., bran cereals) or as complementary medicine