Paclitaxel and GEM 231 in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Solid Tumors

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed advanced solid tumor that is refractory to standard therapy or for which no standard therapy exists Measurable or evaluable disease No CNS metastases that are untreated, associated with seizures, or require intravenous medication and/or hospitalization

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: WHO 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 8.5 g/dL Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN), except with Gilbert's syndrome (no greater than 1.5 times ULN if liver metastases present) PT and aPTT normal SGOT or SGPT less than 3 times ULN (no greater than 5 times ULN if liver metastases present) Renal: Creatinine less than 1.25 times ULN No renal tubular dysfunction (i.e., at least 2+ proteinuria within the past 2 weeks) Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception for 1 month prior to, during, and 3 months after study No other serious medical condition that would prevent compliance No serious infection No known hypersensitivity to paclitaxel or other drugs formulated in Cremophor or any oligodeoxynucleotides Adequate venous access No psychological or geographical condition that would prevent compliance

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 1 week since prior transfusion Prior biologic therapy allowed and recovered No concurrent biologic therapy Chemotherapy: Prior chemotherapy allowed and recovered No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Prior hormonal therapy allowed and recovered Concurrent palliative hormonal therapy allowed Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy allowed and recovered No concurrent radiotherapy (except palliative) Surgery: At least 2 weeks since prior major surgery with wound complications Other: At least 2 weeks since prior investigational drugs No other investigational drugs during or within 28 days of study No concurrent CYP-3A metabolism dependent drugs