Radiation Therapy With or Without RSR13 in Treating Patients With Brain Metastases

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Radiographically, histologically, or cytologically confirmed brain metastases with histologically or cytologically confirmed primary malignancy except the following: * Small cell lung cancer, germ cell tumors, and lymphomas * No leptomeningeal metastases PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Performance status: * Karnofsky 70-100% Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * Hemoglobin at least 10 g/dL * WBC at least 2,000/mm3 * Platelet count at least 75,000/mm3 Hepatic: * Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL * ALT and AST no greater than 3 times upper limit of normal Renal: * Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Pulmonary: * Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume at least 50% of normal in patients with significant intrathoracic tumor involvement, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, or pulmonary embolism * Resting and exercise oxygen saturation at least 90% on room air Other: * No other concurrent active malignancy from a second histologic site * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * No prior biologic therapy or immunotherapy for brain metastases * At least 28 days since prior investigational biologic therapy Chemotherapy: * No prior chemotherapy for brain metastases * No chemotherapy for brain metastases for at least one month following radiation therapy * At least 7 days since prior chemotherapy for primary tumor or extracranial metastases * No planned chemotherapy during radiation therapy Endocrine therapy: * No prior hormonal therapy for brain metastases * Prior or concurrent corticosteroid therapy allowed Radiotherapy: * No prior whole brain radiotherapy for brain metastases * No prior stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases Surgery: * Prior surgery allowed for brain metastases if at least one measurable lesion remains Other: * At least 28 days since prior investigational drug or device * No prior RSR13