DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically confirmed advanced malignant solid tumor

  • No gastric cancer
• No brain involvement or leptomeningeal disease

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

• 18 and over

Performance status:

• ECOG 0-2

Life expectancy:

• At least 3 months

Hematopoietic:

• Neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm^3
• Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3
• Hemoglobin at least 11.2 g/dL

Hepatic:

• Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
• AST and ALT no greater than 2.5 times ULN
• Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN

Renal:

• Creatinine no greater than 1.4 mg/dL

Cardiovascular:

• Normal cardiac function
• Left ventricular ejection fraction normal

Other:

• No digestive disease that hampers absorption
• No unstable systemic disease or uncontrolled infection that precludes study
• No psychological, familial, sociological, or geographical condition that precludes compliance
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

• At least 4 weeks since prior immunotherapy

Chemotherapy:

• At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for nitrosoureas)
• No prior docetaxel
• No other concurrent chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy:

• At least 4 weeks since prior hormonal therapy

Radiotherapy:

• At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy (6 weeks if extensive)

Surgery:

• Not specified

Other:

• No other concurrent anticancer drugs
• No other concurrent investigational therapies
• No H2-blockers, proton pump inhibitors, sucralfate or any other drug that would impair absorption
• No concurrent drugs exhibiting liver, kidney, heart or lung toxicity
• No concurrent MDR-modulating drugs (e.g., calcium antagonists, immunosuppressives)
• No concurrent antifungals (ketoconazole, fluconazole) or antibiotics (clarithromycin, erthromycin) that interfere with MS-209 metabolism