Perifosine in Treating Patients With Metastatic or Recurrent Malignant Melanoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed malignant melanoma Metastatic or recurrent disease deemed incurable by standard therapies Clinically and/or radiologically documented disease by at least 1 site that is unidimensionally measurable as follows: At least 20 mm by x-ray or physical exam At least 10 mm by spiral CT scan At least 20 mm by non-spiral CT scan Bone lesions are not considered measurable Outside previously irradiated area unless evidence of progression or new lesions within irradiated field No known brain metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age 18 and over Performance status ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) AST no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal Creatinine no greater than ULN Cardiovascular No symptomatic congestive heart failure No unstable angina pectoris No cardiac arrhythmia Other Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No prior allergic reactions to compounds of similar chemical or biological composition to perifosine No other malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated nonmelanoma skin cancer or curatively treated carcinoma in situ of the cervix No ongoing or active infection No other concurrent uncontrolled medical illness, psychiatric illness, or social situation that would preclude study entry PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy At least 3 months since prior adjuvant immunotherapy No prior immunotherapy for recurrent/metastatic disease Chemotherapy No prior chemotherapy (including regional therapy) No other concurrent cytotoxic chemotherapy Endocrine therapy Not specified Radiotherapy See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy (except for low-dose, nonmyelosuppressive radiotherapy) Surgery At least 4 weeks since prior major surgery Other No other concurrent anticancer therapy or investigational agents