DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed advanced or metastatic adenocarcinoma Expression of +1 to 3+ HER2/neu on immunohistochemical or immunocytochemistry staining No brain metastases unless all of the following is true Previously treated Asymptomatic Stable dose of decadron No evidence of edema Hormonal receptor status: Not specified

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 9.0 g/dL Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL AST/ALT no greater than 3 times upper limit of normal (ULN) (no greater than 5 times ULN in case of liver involvement) Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Cardiovascular: LVEF at least 50% by RVG or MUGA No uncontrolled unstable angina No history of congestive heart failure or cardiac ischemia Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No concurrent active infection or serious systemic disorder that would preclude study No allergies to imidazole compounds

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior trastuzumab (Herceptin) No other concurrent immunotherapy Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks since mitomycin or nitrosoureas) and recovered No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent hormonal cancer therapy except LHRH agonists for prostate cancer Radiotherapy: No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified Other: No other concurrent experimental medications