DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed advanced solid tumors refractory to conventional anticancer therapy, or for which no effective therapy exists Measurable or evaluable disease No active brain metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 3 months

Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic:

Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL ALT and AST no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Renal:

Creatinine less than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: No uncontrolled or significant cardiovascular disease No myocardial infarction within past 6 months No congestive heart failure (with or without therapy) No history of atrial or ventricular arrhythmias No history of second or third degree heart block Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No serious uncontrolled medical disorder or active infection No known hypersensitivity to drugs containing Cremophor EL No concurrent neurologic toxicity No dementia or altered mental status

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior immunotherapy Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks since nitrosoureas, mitomycin, or carboplatin) Prior taxane therapy allowed No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: At least 1 week since prior steroid therapy No concurrent hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior wide field radiotherapy (involving at least 30% of the bone marrow) No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified Other: No other concurrent experimental anticancer medications