Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed unresectable metastatic melanoma (AJCC
stage III or IV) OR resected melanoma with high risk of recurrence or mortality (stage IIB
and above) No multiple visceral metastases greater than 3 cm in diameter Solitary brain
metastases allowed if less than 2 cm in diameter and successfully treated with surgical
excision or gamma knife radiation therapy HLA-A2 positive

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 to 79 Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy:
Greater than 12 months Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count greater than 1,000/mm3
Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin greater than 9 g/dL Hepatic: AST and
ALT no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Bilirubin no greater than 2.5
times ULN Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater
than 1.5 times ULN Other: No known or suspected allergies to any component of the
treatment vaccine Not pregnant Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective
contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 3 months since prior interferons At
least 3 months since prior growth factors No prior melanoma vaccinations No concurrent
interferons No concurrent growth factors Chemotherapy: At least 3 months since prior
chemotherapy No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: At least 3 months since prior
agents with putative immunomodulating activity (except nonsteroidal antiinflammatory
drugs) At least 3 months since prior corticosteroids No concurrent agents with putative
immunomodulating activity (except nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs) No concurrent
corticosteroids Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy allowed See Disease Characteristics No
concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: Prior surgery allowed See Disease Characteristics Other:
At least 3 months since prior allergy desensitization injections At least 3 months since
other prior investigational drugs or therapy At least 14 days since acute treatment for
serious infection No concurrent allergy desensitization injections No concurrent
investigational drugs or therapy