DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Radiographically, histologically, or cytologically confirmed brain metastases with histologically or cytologically confirmed primary malignancy except the following:

  • Small cell lung cancer, germ cell tumors, and lymphomas
• No leptomeningeal metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

• 18 and over

Performance status:

• Karnofsky 70-100%

Life expectancy:

• Not specified

Hematopoietic:

• Hemoglobin at least 10 g/dL
• WBC at least 2,000/mm3
• Platelet count at least 75,000/mm3

Hepatic:

• Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL
• ALT and AST no greater than 3 times upper limit of normal

Renal:

• Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL

Pulmonary:

• Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume at least 50% of normal in patients with significant intrathoracic tumor involvement, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, or pulmonary embolism
• Resting and exercise oxygen saturation at least 90% on room air

Other:

• No other concurrent active malignancy from a second histologic site
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Negative pregnancy test
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

• No prior biologic therapy or immunotherapy for brain metastases
• At least 28 days since prior investigational biologic therapy

Chemotherapy:

• No prior chemotherapy for brain metastases
• No chemotherapy for brain metastases for at least one month following radiation therapy
• At least 7 days since prior chemotherapy for primary tumor or extracranial metastases
• No planned chemotherapy during radiation therapy

Endocrine therapy:

• No prior hormonal therapy for brain metastases
• Prior or concurrent corticosteroid therapy allowed

Radiotherapy:

• No prior whole brain radiotherapy for brain metastases
• No prior stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases

Surgery:

• Prior surgery allowed for brain metastases if at least one measurable lesion remains

Other:

• At least 28 days since prior investigational drug or device
• No prior RSR13