DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically confirmed extracranial primary malignancy
• Multiple brain metastases

• At least 1 measurable brain metastasis by MRI

  • More than 4.0 cm OR
  • Located in midbrain or brainstem (radiosurgery ineligible)

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

• Over 18

Performance status:

• Zubrod 0-1

Life expectancy:

• At least 8 weeks

Hematopoietic:

• Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3
• Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3
• Hemoglobin at least 11 g/dL*
• Hematocrit at least 35%* NOTE: * Transfusion and/or epoetin alfa allowed

Hepatic:

• Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL
• ALT no greater than 2 times normal

Renal:

• Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL
• BUN no greater than 25 mg/dL

Cardiovascular:

• No history of deep venous thrombosis

Other:

• No sensory neuropathy grade 2 or greater
• No known AIDS
• No other major medical illness or psychiatric impairments that would preclude study therapy
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Negative pregnancy test
• Fertile patients must use effective barrier method of contraception during and for at least 4 weeks after study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

• No prior thalidomide

Chemotherapy:

• More than 2 weeks since prior chemotherapy
• Concurrent chemotherapy allowed if more than 6 weeks past study entry (allowed during first 6 weeks of study if disease progression occurs)

Endocrine therapy:

• Not specified

Radiotherapy:

• See Disease Characteristics
• No prior radiotherapy to the head or neck
• No prior radiosurgery

Surgery:

• Prior resection of brain metastases allowed

Other:

• No concurrent anticoagulant therapy