SU5416 in Treating Patients With Metastatic Melanoma That Has Been Previously Treated

Inclusion Criteria: Histologically confirmed melanoma with documented metastatic disease In transit metastases allowed Lesion accessible for biopsy Measurable disease Greater than 20 mm by conventional techniques ORgreater than 10 mm by spiral CT Documented progressive disease by radiologic study or physical examination Known history of CNS metastasis who have had treatment, are neurologicallystable, and do not require intravenous antibiotics or anticonvulsants eligibleprovided oral steroids are not required and brain scan (CT or MRI) showsabsence of active or residual disease If neurologic signs or symptoms suggestive of CNS metastasis, negative brain scan required Performance status - WHO 0-2 At least 12 weeks WBC at least 3,000/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Transaminases no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min No uncompensated coronary artery disease No history of myocardial infarction or severe/unstable angina within past 6 months No severe peripheral vascular disease associated with diabetes mellitus No deep venous or arterial thrombosis within past 3 months No pulmonary embolism within past 3 months Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No other significant uncontrolled underlying medical or psychiatric illness No serious active infections No other malignancy within past 5 years except for curatively treated nonmelanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix No history of severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions to paclitaxel or docetaxel No other concurrent chemotherapy No other concurrent investigational antineoplastic drugs See Disease Characteristics No prior radiotherapy to only site of measurable disease At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered No concurrent radiotherapy No greater than 1 prior therapy for metastatic disease At least 4 weeks since prior therapy