DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically confirmed primary renal cell carcinoma meeting 1 of the following criteria:

  • Stage T3b, T3c, or T4 tumor
  • Any pT stage and nodal status pN 1 or 2
  • Any pT stage and microscopic positive margins
  • Presence of any microscopic vascular invasion

• Underwent surgical resection of primary tumor within the past month

  • Removal of clinical N+ disease required
• No evidence of metastatic disease
• No evidence of macroscopic residual disease

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age

• 75 and under

Performance status

• WHO 0-1

Life expectancy

• Not specified

Hematopoietic

• WBC at least 3,500/mm^3
• Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3

Hepatic

• Liver function tests no greater than 1.25 times upper limit of normal (ULN)

Renal

• Creatinine less than 1.5 times ULN

Cardiovascular

• No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months
• No unstable angina pectoris

Other

• Not pregnant or nursing
• No prior or other concurrent malignancies that would preclude study therapy or comparisons
• No other concurrent illness that would preclude study therapy
• No concurrent active infections requiring antibiotic therapy

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy

• No other concurrent immunotherapy

Chemotherapy

• No prior chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy

• No concurrent corticosteroids
• No concurrent hormonal therapy

Radiotherapy

• No prior radiotherapy

Surgery

• See Disease Characteristics
• No prior major organ allografts

Other

• No other concurrent investigational drugs, agents, or devices