DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma Measurable or evaluable disease Prior nephrectomy allowed if documented disease progression prior to study No known brain metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: SWOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,500/mm3 Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least lower limit of normal Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL SGOT no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No uncompensated coronary artery disease by ECG or physical examination No myocardial infarction or severe/unstable angina within the past 6 months No severe peripheral vascular disease associated with diabetes mellitus No deep venous or arterial thrombosis within the past 3 months Pulmonary: No pulmonary embolism within the past 3 months Other: No other malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No documented hypersensitivity to any excipients (Cremophor EL, ethanol, or polyethylene glycol) of SU5416

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 8 weeks since prior interleukin-2 and recovered No other prior biologic therapy Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy and recovered No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy No concurrent radiotherapy to measurable lesions Surgery: See Disease Characteristics More than 3 weeks since prior major surgery