DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed metastatic renal cell carcinoma Bidimensionally measurable disease Clear evidence of progression if only site of measurable disease is within previous radiation port Previously irradiated brain metastases allowed, if not life threatening, symptoms controlled for 3 months, and not requiring corticosteroids

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Greater than 3 months Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,00/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance greater than 50 mL/min Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception for 1 month before, during, and for 3 months after study No active bacterial or viral infection No serious underlying medical condition that would interfere with compliance No other malignancy within the past 5 years except basal cell carcinoma of the skin No dementia or altered mental status that would prevent informed consent

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No more than 1 prior therapy with biologic response modifiers Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for advanced disease No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics No concurrent steriods (except topical use) Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: At least 4 weeks since major surgery (including nephrectomy) Other: No other concurrent experimental agents