OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the effect of sargramostim (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; GM-CSF) in combination with interleukin-2 and vinblastine on the response rate of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. II. Assess the potential toxicities of this treatment combination in these patients.

OUTLINE: This is a single arm, nonrandomized study. Patients receive vinblastine as an IV bolus once every 2 weeks. Interleukin-2 is administered by subcutaneous injection on days 1-5 each week for 9 weeks. Sargramostim (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; GM-CSF) is administered by subcutaneous injection on days 1-5 each week for 9 weeks. Each 9 week cycle is followed by 3 weeks of rest. Patient may continue treatment for a maximum of 5 cycles in the absence of disease progression. Patients are assessed every 12 weeks for the duration of treatment.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: 20-35 patients will be accrued into this study.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven inoperable, metastatic, or recurrent renal cell carcinoma Measurable or evaluable disease No brain metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: SWOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: Neutrophil count greater than 1,500/mm3 Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Liver enzymes less than 3 (5 if known liver metastases) times institutional normal Renal: Creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dL Cardiovascular: Adequate cardiac function No unstable angina No significant coronary artery disease No heart failure with New York Heart Association classification III or IV Pulmonary: No evidence of pulmonary disease (documented normal DLCO and PFT) Other: No prior malignancy except: Nonmelanoma skin cancer Carcinoma in situ of any kind No pregnant or lactating Fertile patients must use adequate contraception Normal thyroid functions as evidenced by normal T4 and TSH

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No more than 1 prior biologic therapy At least 4 weeks since prior biologic therapy Chemotherapy: No more than 1 prior chemotherapy At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No more than 1 prior hormonal therapy At least 4 weeks since prior hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiation therapy No prior radiation therapy if entire tumor was within radiation field Surgery: Not specified