Bryostatin 1 in Treating Patients With Metastatic Kidney Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed metastatic renal cell carcinoma * Bidimensionally measurable disease * Clear evidence of progression if only site of measurable disease is within previous radiation port * Previously irradiated brain metastases allowed, if not life threatening, symptoms controlled for 3 months, and not requiring corticosteroids PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Age: 18 and over * Performance status: ECOG 0-1 * Life expectancy: Greater than 3 months * WBC at least 3,000/mm3 * Platelet count at least 100,00/mm3 * Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL * Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL OR creatinine clearance greater than 50 mL/min * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception for 1 month before, during, and for 3 months after study * No active bacterial or viral infection * No serious underlying medical condition that would interfere with compliance * No other malignancy within the past 5 years except basal cell carcinoma of the skin * No dementia or altered mental status that would prevent informed consent PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * No more than 1 prior therapy with biologic response modifiers * No prior chemotherapy for advanced disease * No other concurrent chemotherapy * No concurrent steriods (except topical use) * At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy * No concurrent radiotherapy * At least 4 weeks since major surgery (including nephrectomy) * No other concurrent experimental agents