Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytopathologically proven advanced solid tumors
for which no conventional therapy exists or that is refractory to standard therapy No
primary brain tumors or active brain metastases, including known evidence of cerebral
edema by CT or MRI, known tumor progression from prior imaging studies or clinical
symptoms of/from brain metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy:
Greater than 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count greater than 1,500/mm3
Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin greater than 9 g/dL Hepatic: Bilirubin
normal PT or PTT normal ALT or AST less than 2.5 times upper limit of normal Renal:
Creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min
Cardiovascular: No myocardial infarction, stroke, or congestive heart failure within 3
months Other: HIV negative Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile
patients must use effective contraception No history of gastrointestinal disorders that
interfere with absorption of COL-3 No active infections or other medical illnesses No
psychological or social problems No emotional disorder or substance abuse No
hypersensitivity to tetracycline or its derivative

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks
since chemotherapy At least 6 weeks since nitrosoureas or mitomycin At least 3 months
since suramin Endocrine therapy: No concurrent steroids Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks
since prior large field radiation therapy (greater than 20% of total bone marrow) Surgery:
At least 14 days since major surgery No major upper gastrointestinal surgery Other: No
concurrent anticonvulsant medications