Docetaxel in Treating Children With Recurrent Solid Tumors

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically verified (at original diagnosis) solid tumor that is relapsed or refractory The following histologies are eligible: * Sarcomas: Rhabdomyosarcoma Ewing's sarcoma, Peripheral neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), Osteosarcoma, Other soft tissue sarcomas * Brain tumors: Ependymoma Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), High grade astrocytoma, Brain stem glioma (histologic verification not required), Neuroblastoma * Measurable disease that can be followed clinically or radiologically required * The following not considered measurable: Bone lesions measured by bone scan or bone marrow involvement * Central nervous system disease documented by cerebrospinal fluid cytology * Pleural effusion PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Age: 21 and under at original diagnosis * Performance status: 0-3 * Life expectancy: Greater than 2 months * In the absence of marrow involvement: * Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,000/mm3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 (transfusion independent) * Hemoglobin at least 9.0 g/dL (transfusion allowed) * With bone marrow involvement: * Absolute neutrophil count at least 750/mm3 * Red cell and platelet support possible * Bilirubin normal * ALT/AST less than 1.5 times normal * Alkaline phosphatase less than 2.5 times normal * Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times normal OR creatinine clearance or radioisotope glomerular filtration rate at least 60 mL/min * Not pregnant or nursing * Adequate contraception required of fertile women PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * Prior bone marrow transplantation allowed: * Must have stable engraftment without need for significant blood product support or cytokine therapy * No concurrent immunomodulating agents * No prior paclitaxel or docetaxel At least 2 weeks since chemotherapy (4 weeks since nitrosoureas) * No other concurrent cancer chemotherapy * Concurrent corticosteroids allowed for intracranial pressure in brain tumor patients provided patient has been stable for at least 4 weeks * Corticosteroids allowed as pretreatment for docetaxel * At least 2 months since extensive radiotherapy, defined as: * Craniospinal Volume greater than 50% of abdominopelvic cavity * Volume greater than one third of lung volume * No concurrent radiotherapy * No more than 2 prior therapies and fully recovered