RATIONALE: Interleukin-2 may stimulate a person's white blood cells to kill metastatic cancer cells. Interferon alfa may interfere with the growth of the cancer cells. Combining interleukin-2 and interferon alfa may kill more cancer cells.

PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of interleukin-2 plus interferon alfa in treating adults with metastatic cancer.

OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the response rate, failure-free survival, and overall survival of interleukin-2 and interferon alpha administered subcutaneously on an outpatient basis for 8 weeks to patients with metastatic cancer. II. Determine the toxicities associated with this therapy.

OUTLINE: Biological Response Modifier Therapy. Interleukin-2 (Cetus), IL-2, NSC-373364; Interferon alpha (Schering), IFN-A, NSC-377523.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: Up to 30 patients with various malignancies will be entered.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed metastatic cancer of any type Measurable or evaluable disease required, i.e.: Bidimensionally measurable lesions on physical exam, x-ray, CT, MRI, or other radiologic procedure Any lesion apparent on radiologic exam that is not measurable in 2 perpendicular diameters Previously irradiated lesions acceptable provided subsequent progression is documented No active brain metastases Previously treated brain metastases allowed provided measurable/evaluable disease exists outside the CNS

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Hematopoietic: (within 14 days prior to entry) WBC at least 3,000 Platelets at least 100,000 Hematocrit at least 30% (may be transfused) Hepatic: (within 14 days prior to entry) Bilirubin less than 2.0 mg/dl PT and PTT normal Renal: (within 14 days prior to entry) Creatinine less than 2.0 mg/dl Cardiovascular: No MI within 6 months No medication for arrhythmia No medication for CHF Hypertension that is stable off medication allowed Pulmonary: pO2 at least 60 mm Hg in patients with primary lung cancer or symptomatic pulmonary disease Reasonable respiratory reserve No dyspnea at rest No requirement for supplemental oxygen Other: No familial history of malignant hyperthermia No chronic underlying immunodeficiency disease No HIV seropositivity No active infection requiring antibiotic therapy No other serious intercurrent illness No concurrent malignancy No pregnant or nursing women Adequate contraception required of fertile women

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No concurrent therapy with other anticancer agents No concurrent immunosuppressive agents (e.g., cyclosporin) Biologic therapy: Prior interferon alpha allowed Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since systemic chemotherapy with recovery required Endocrine therapy: No concurrent corticosteroids Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since radiotherapy Surgery: Adequate recovery required Other: No prior organ allograft