Paclitaxel Plus Chemoprotection With Amifostine in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Solid Tumors

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven recurrent or refractory solid tumors Evaluable disease

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Greater than 4 months Hematopoietic: Neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 8 g/dL Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 1.5 g/dL Alkaline phosphatase less than 3 times upper limit of normal (ULN) AST less than 3 times ULN Renal: Calcium greater than 8 mg/dL Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: No active congestive heart failure Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No grade 2 neuropathy No intolerability for hydration

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Prior biologic therapy allowed Chemotherapy: No more than 3 prior failed chemotherapy regimens Prior paclitaxel as a radiosensitizer allowed No prior weekly paclitaxel infusion failure Prior platinum or paclitaxel therapy allowed Endocrine therapy: Prior endocrine therapy allowed Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy allowed Surgery: Prior surgery allowed Other: No concurrent dilantin therapy No antihypertensive/diuretics within 24 hours prior to chemotherapy