Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed metastatic germ cell tumor Seminoma OR
Nonseminoma Measurable disease Abnormalities on radiograph OR Alpha fetoprotein greater
than 15 ng/mL OR Beta human chorionic gonadotropin greater than 2.2 mIU/L At least one
measurable disease site that has not received prior radiotherapy Refractory to prior
cisplatin and failed, not eligible for, or refused autologous bone marrow transplantation

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 16 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 70-100% Life
expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,000/mm3 Absolute neutrophil
count at least 1,000/mm3 Platelet count at lest 80,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 10 g/dL
Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times normal Transaminases no greater than 1.5
times upper limit or normal (ULN) Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 3.0 times ULN
Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Other: No medical conditions that would
interfere with swallowing or cause excessive vomiting No second malignancy except basal
and squamous cell skin cancer Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile
patients must use effective barrier contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: See Disease Characteristics Chemotherapy: See
Disease Characteristics Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: See Disease
Characteristics Surgery: Not specified