Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven melanoma that is considered surgically
incurable Dermal, subcutaneous, or lymph node metastases required At least 3 lesions
evaluable and accessible for injection and biopsy One lesion at least 10 mm in diameter No
leukemia or lymphoma

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: At
least 6 months Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 3 times
upper limit of normal (ULN) SGOT no greater than 3 times ULN Alkaline phosphatase no
greater than 3 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 3 times ULN Immunologic:
Clinical evidence of immune response required within 4 days of smallpox vaccination At
least 1 positive cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity response to 1 of the following:
Microbial recall antigens Dinitrofluorobenzene after sensitization Purified protein
derivative of tuberculin following BCG vaccination No altered immunocompetence (e.g.,
immune deficiency disease or immunosuppressive therapy) in patient or household contacts
No allergy to any of the following: Polymyxin B sulfate Streptomycin sulfate
Chlortetracycline hydrochloride Neomycin sulfate No history of eczema or other exfoliative
skin conditions in patient or household contacts HIV negative Other: No other malignancy
within the past 3 years except superficial squamous cell or basal cell skin cancer or
carcinoma in situ of the cervix or prostate Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy
test Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: At least 8 weeks
since prior chemotherapy No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent or
imminent steroid therapy Radiotherapy: At least 8 weeks since prior radiotherapy No
concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior
surgery