Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed solid tumor for which
no curative or effective therapy is available No symptomatic or uncontrolled brain or
leptomeningeal metastasis Irradiated brain metastasis allowed if neurological status is
stable 4 weeks after radiotherapy

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not
specified Hematopoietic: Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Absolute neutrophil count at
least 1,500/mm3 Hepatic: SGOT no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
Bilirubin no greater than ULN No acute hepatitis Renal: Not specified Cardiovascular: No
unstable cardiac disease requiring treatment No cardiac arrhythmia No new onset crescendo
or rest angina Stable exertional angina allowed Neurological: No symptomatic peripheral
neuropathy greater than grade 1 No significant neurological or psychiatric disorders
including psychotic disorders, dementia, or seizures Other: Not pregnant or nursing
Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 2
weeks following study No other serious illness or medical condition No active infection,
including septicemia No severe gastrointestinal bleeding No hypersensitivity to leucovorin
calcium or fluorouracil-uracil No psychological, familial, sociological, or geographical
condition that would preclude study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent immunotherapy No concurrent
colony-stimulating growth factors within 24 hours of fluorouracil-uracil Chemotherapy: No
more than 1 prior regimen of chemotherapy Prior taxanes and fluorouracil allowed At least
3 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for mitomycin or nitrosoureas) and recovered No
other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: At least 3 weeks since prior hormonal
therapy and recovered No concurrent anti-cancer hormonal agents Radiotherapy: At least 3
weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered Concurrent radiotherapy allowed for
palliation of painful bone metastases, pathologic fractures of known lytic disease, or
brain lesions Surgery: Not specified Other: At least 3 weeks since prior investigational
drugs No concurrent antiarrhythmic medication No other concurrent investigational therapy
No concurrent halogenated anti-viral agent (e.g., lodenosine, fialuridine, clevudine,
emtricitabine, or sorivudine)