DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Diagnosis of neuroblastoma based on tumor histology or bone marrow metastasis with elevated urine catecholamine metabolites Confirmation of GD2-positivity not required Must have recently completed a course of myeloablative therapy followed by autologous bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) rescue May be eligible: After completion of the third course of high-dose chemotherapy with PBSC rescue on protocol CCG-3951 After completion of 1 or more courses of high-dose chemotherapy with PBSC rescue on an institutional (local) protocol Previous treatment on phase I studies (e.g., CCG-3951) allowed Ineligible if evaluable for response on a Phase II/III protocol (e.g., CCG-6921, CCG-3891) Patients who are no longer evaluable for response on a Phase II/III protocol (i.e., disease progression after therapy) are allowed

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 21 and under Performance status: 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 2 months Hematopoietic: Absolute phagocyte count (neutrophils and monocytes) greater than 1,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times normal SGOT or SGPT no greater than 5.0 times normal Concurrent veno-occlusive disease allowed if stable or improving Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times normal OR Creatinine clearance or radioisotope glomerular filtration rate at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: Shortening fraction at least 27% by echocardiogram OR Ejection fraction greater than 50% by MUGA scan Pulmonary: FEV1 and FVC greater than 60% predicted OR For children who cannot perform pulmonary function tests: No evidence of dyspnea at rest No exercise intolerance Oxygen saturation greater than 94% on room air by pulse oximetry Other: No CNS toxicity greater than grade 1 Concurrent seizure disorder allowed if on anticonvulsants and well controlled

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic Therapy: See Disease Characteristics No prior monoclonal antibody (MOAB) 14G2A or MOAB Ch14.18 No other concurrent cytokines or growth factors (e.g., interferon or filgrastim (G-CSF)) Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 2 weeks since prior myelosuppressive chemotherapy No other concurrent anticancer chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: At least 2 weeks since prior corticosteroids No concurrent corticosteroids Radiotherapy: At least 7 days since prior radiotherapy No concurrent radiotherapy except for localized painful lesions Surgery: Not specified Other: At least 2 weeks since prior immunosuppressive drugs At least 2 weeks since prior tretinoin No concurrent immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., cyclosporine) No concurrent pentoxifylline