DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically or cytologically confirmed malignancy

  • Extracranial recurrent or metastatic disease or primary tumor not predicted to be controlled with standard radiotherapy
  • Incurable with any standard therapy
• No tumors involving critical structures (e.g., mucosal surfaces (bowel or bladder) or heart)
• Tumor visible by CT scan

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

• Not specified

Performance status:

• Karnofsky 60-100%

Life expectancy:

• Not specified

Hematopoietic:

• Not specified

Hepatic:

• Bilirubin less than 2.0 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
• AST and ALT less than 5 times ULN

Renal:

• Creatinine less than 2.0 mg/dL

Pulmonary:

• FEV1 greater than 0.75 L

Other:

• No unsuitable size or geometric proportion that would preclude stereotactic immobilization
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

• At least 14 days since prior anticancer biologic therapy and recovered

Chemotherapy:

• At least 14 days since prior anticancer chemotherapy and recovered

Endocrine therapy:

• At least 14 days since prior anticancer endocrine therapy and recovered

Radiotherapy:

• See Disease Characteristics
• At least 14 days since prior anticancer radiotherapy and recovered

Surgery:

• Not specified