Temozolomide and Thalidomide in Treating Patients With Brain Metastases Secondary to Melanoma

Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically or cytologically confirmed metastatic melanoma
* Clinical evidence of brain metastases

  * At least 1 unidimensionally measurable brain lesion at least 2.0 cm by conventional techniques OR at least 1.0 cm by spiral CT scan or MRI

    * The following lesions are not considered measurable:

      * Bone lesions
      * Leptomeningeal disease
      * Ascites
      * Pleural/pericardial effusion
      * Lymphangitis cutis/pulmonis
      * Abdominal masses that are not confirmed and followed by imaging techniques
      * Cystic lesions
      * Lesions situated in a previously irradiated area, unless new growth is documented
* Performance status - CTC 0-1
* Granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm\^3
* Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3
* AST and ALT no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
* Lactic dehydrogenase no greater than 2.5 times ULN
* Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN
* Creatinine no greater than 2 mg/dL
* No history of active angina
* No history of significant ventricular arrhythmia
* No history of deep vein thrombosis
* No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months
* No acute abnormality by EKG
* No uncontrolled arrhythmia
* No history of pulmonary embolism
* Not pregnant or nursing
* Negative pregnancy test
* Fertile patients must use 1 highly-effective and 1 additional method of contraception for 28 days before, during, and for 4 weeks after study participation
* No known HIV disease
* Thyroid-stimulating hormone normal
* Serum anticonvulsant levels normal (for patients on anticonvulsants)
* No frequent vomiting and/or any other medical condition (e.g., partial bowel obstruction) that would preclude oral medication intake
* No preexisting neuropathy greater than grade 1
* No uncontrolled seizures
* No other concurrent medical condition that would preclude study participation
* At least 4 weeks since prior cytokines

  * Biologic agents used as adjuvants, vaccines, and cellular therapies do not require a 4-week washout period
* No concurrent prophylactic filgrastim (G-CSF) or sargramostim (GM-CSF)
* No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen
* No prior chemotherapy for brain metastases
* No prior continuous daily temozolomide
* At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for nitrosoureas or mitomycin)
* No other concurrent chemotherapy
* No concurrent hormonal therapy except steroids and hormones administered for non-disease-related conditions (e.g., insulin for diabetes) or for control of intracranial edema from brain metastases
* See Disease Characteristics
* Prior whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) allowed provided patient has progressive disease in a measurable CNS lesion
* Prior stereotactic radiotherapy allowed provided patient has progressive disease in a measurable CNS lesion
* At least 4 weeks since prior WBRT
* At least 3 weeks since prior stereotactic radiosurgery
* No concurrent radiotherapy
* At least 3 weeks since prior surgical resection
* No concurrent warfarin or heparin products or their derivatives
* No concurrent antiplatelet therapy (e.g., daily aspirin, ibuprofen, or clopidogrel bisulfate)
* No concurrent bisphosphonates (e.g., zoledronate)