Paclitaxel in Treating Older Patients With Solid Tumors

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically proven nonhematologic malignancy PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 55 and over Performance status: * Zubrod 0-2 Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * Granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: * Bilirubin less than 1.5 mg/dL * SGOT less than 2.0 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Renal: * Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: * No uncontrolled or severe cardiovascular disease Other: * No serious intercurrent medical illnesses that in the judgement of the investigator compromise patient care * No psychiatric conditions that would preclude study * No requirement for antibiotics for active acute infection PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * Not specified Chemotherapy: * At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for nitrosoureas or mitomycin) * No more than one prior chemotherapy regimen allowed * No prior paclitaxel allowed Endocrine therapy: * Not specified Radiotherapy: * At least 4 weeks since prior radiation therapy Surgery: * Not specified