PEG-Interferon Alfa-2b in Treating Patients With Stage IV Melanoma

Inclusion criteria: Histologically confirmed stage IV melanoma Stage M1a, M1b, or M1c Mucosal, ocular, or unknown primary melanoma Previously untreated OR received up to 3 prior systemic therapy regimens (excluding vaccine therapy) for metastatic disease Plasma basic fibroblast growth factor level at least 15 pg/mL Measurable or evaluable disease Central nervous system (CNS) involvement allowed provided CNS directed therapy has been given and disease has been clinically stable for ≥ 3 months Brain computed tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm stable disease required ≤ 4 weeks prior to study entry Age: 18 and over ECOG Performance status of 0-2 Life expectancy at least 6 months Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hemoglobin at least 8 g/dL (transfusions allowed) Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) no greater than 2 times ULN Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min At least 4 weeks since prior interferon in the adjuvant or metastatic setting At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy in the adjuvant or metastatic setting At least 4 weeks since prior endocrine therapy in the adjuvant or metastatic setting At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy in the adjuvant or metastatic setting At least 4 weeks since prior surgery in the adjuvant or metastatic setting At least 4 weeks since other prior therapy in the adjuvant or metastatic setting Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception Exclusion criteria: Myocardial infarction within the past 6 months Other active malignancy within the past 5 years except curatively treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix Other concurrent illness that would preclude study participation History of severe depression Pregnant or nursing