Fenretinide in Treating Patients With Recurrent Malignant Glioma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed supratentorial malignant primary glioma Glioblastoma multiforme (closed to accrual as of 05/31/2001) Gliosarcoma (closed to accrual as of 05/31/2001) Anaplastic astrocytoma Anaplastic oligodendroglioma Mixed malignant gliomas Original histological diagnosis of low-grade glioma allowed if a subsequent histological diagnosis of malignant glioma is confirmed Prior treatment for no more than 2 prior relapses allowed Disease progression documented by at least 2 pre-study brain scans Recent prior tumor resection of recurrent or progressive tumor allowed if recovered from the effects of prior surgery

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 70-100% Life expectancy: More than 8 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 10 g/dL (may be transfusion dependent) Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) SGOT less than 2 times ULN Renal: Creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dL Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective barrier contraception during and for at least 2 months after study Able to swallow capsules No active infection No disease or other serious concurrent medical illness that would preclude study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 1 week since prior interferon At least 1 week since prior thalidomide Chemotherapy: Recovered from prior chemotherapy At least 4 weeks since prior cytotoxic therapy (2 weeks for vincristine, 3 weeks for procarbazine, or 6 weeks for nitrosoureas) Endocrine therapy: At least 1 week since prior tamoxifen Prior steroids allowed if on stable or decreasing dose for at least 5-7 days before baseline MRI If steroid dose is increased between date of baseline MRI and initiation of study drug, a new baseline MRI is required Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: See Disease Characteristics No concurrent surgery Other: At least 1 week since any prior noncytotoxic agents (e.g., isotretinoin) No other concurrent anticancer therapy, including other investigational drugs