This study examines a 96 hour infusion schedule of irinotecan alternating with 72 hour drug-free intervals in patients with solid tumors in order to determine the maximum tolerated dose of this regimen.

Irinotecan (CPT-11) is a promising camptothecin analogue with activity in solid tumors. In Phase I studies using short intravenous infusion schedules, the predominant drug toxicities have been gastrointestinal, such as diarrhea, and myelosuppression. In animal studies, prolonged infusion schedules followed by short drug-free intervals have resulted in preservation of antitumor activity and decreased drug toxicity. Therefore, we propose to examine a 96 hour infusion schedule of irinotecan alternating with 72 hour drug-free intervals in patients with solid tumors in order to determine the maximum tolerated dose of this regimen. The duration of these treatments will be escalated in our Phase I study until patients are receiving therapy for 2 out of every 3 weeks. Standard Phase I drug toxicity and tumor response information will be monitored and the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and its active metabolite, SN-38 will also be examined. We will also attempt to monitor the intracellular molecular effects of SN-38 therapy in blood, bone marrow, and, whenever possible, tumor tissue.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

Recurrent or metastatic cancer, including lymphoma.

No leukemia.

No active CNS disease.

Refractory to all effective therapy OR No effective therapy exists.

Measurable disease not required.

PRIOR/CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic Therapy: Greater than 4 weeks and recovered from immunotherapy.

Chemotherapy: Greater than 4 weeks and recovered from chemotherapy.

Previous therapy with irinotecan is permitted.

Endocrine Therapy: Not specified.

Radiotherapy: Greater than 4 weeks since radiotherapy.

Surgery: Recovered from prior surgery.

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age: 18 and over.

Performance status: ECOG 0-2.

Hematopoietic: AGC greater than 1,500.

Platelets greater than 100,000.

Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL.

AST no greater than 2 times normal.

Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL.

OTHER:

HIV negative.

No active infection requiring antibiotics.

No concurrent medical illness that would interfere with chemotherapy.

No pregnant or nursing women.

Adequate contraception required of fertile patients.

Imaging/exams for tumor measurement within 28 days prior to registration.