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)