DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder No muscle invasive bladder cancer, transitional cell carcinoma of the upper tract, or disease within the prostatic stroma No prior evidence of metastatic transitional cell carcinoma Prior definitive resection by partial cystectomy, nephroureterectomy, or prostatectomy allowed if current disease is limited to superficial disease of the bladder only No evidence of gross hematuria within the past 2 days

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other: No other active malignancies or health conditions that would preclude study No serious infection within 1 month of study No evidence of active tuberculosis No significant medical or psychiatric condition that would prevent compliance Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior intravesical interferon alfa and/or BCG At least 2 years since prior immunotherapy for other malignancies or nonmalignancies Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior intravesical chemotherapy At least 2 years since prior chemotherapy for other malignancies or nonmalignancies No concurrent cytotoxic chemotherapy for other malignancies or nonmalignancies Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 2 years since prior pelvic radiotherapy for other malignancies or nonmalignancies No concurrent pelvic radiotherapy for other malignancies or nonmalignancies Surgery: See Disease Characteristics At least 3 weeks since prior papillary or solid transitional cell carcinoma resection, bladder biopsy, or transurethral resection of the prostate At least 4 weeks since prior surgery Other: At least 2 years since any prior cytotoxic agents for other malignancies or nonmalignancies