DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed malignant melanoma or other solid tumor not amenable to curative therapy Locally recurrent OR Metastatic disease Suitable cutaneous or nodal sites for intratumoral injection No uncontrolled CNS metastases Brain metastases allowed if stereotactically or surgically treated, well controlled, and not requiring systemic corticosteroids

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: Hemoglobin at least 10.0 g/dL WBC at least 3,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) SGPT/SGOT no greater than 3 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2 times ULN Other: HIV negative No active systemic infection No other serious systemic medical conditions Positive delayed hypersensitivity reaction to at least one of the following antigens: tetanus, candida, mumps, or trichophyton Not pregnant Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 3 months after study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 3 weeks since prior immunotherapy for melanoma No other concurrent immunotherapy Chemotherapy: At least 3 weeks since prior systemic chemotherapy for melanoma No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent systemic corticosteroids Radiotherapy: No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified Other: No other concurrent investigational therapy