SU5416 in Treating Patients With Malignant Mesothelioma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically or cytologically proven malignant mesothelioma (epithelial, sarcomatoid, or mixed subtype) that is not amenable to surgery or radiotherapy * Measurable disease * At least 20 mm by conventional techniques or at least 10 mm by spiral CT scan * Pleural effusions and ascites are not considered measurable lesions * Only site of measurable disease must not be located within prior radiotherapy port * Lesion must be accessible for biopsy * History of previously treated CNS metastasis allowed if: * Neurologically stable * No requirement for IV or oral steroids or IV anticonvulsants * No active or residual disease by brain CT or MRI scan * Patients with neurologic signs or symptoms suggestive of CNS metastasis must have a negative brain CT or MRI scan PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Age: 18 and over * Performance status: WHO 0-2 * Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks * WBC at least 3,000/mm3 * Platelet count at least 75,000/mm3 * Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL * SGOT and SGPT no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal * Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min * No uncompensated coronary artery disease on electrocardiogram or physical examination * No history of myocardial infarction or severe/unstable angina within the past 6 months * No severe peripheral vascular disease associated with diabetes mellitus * No deep vein or arterial thrombosis within the past 3 months * No pulmonary embolism within the past 3 months * No significant uncontrolled underlying medical or psychiatric illness * No serious active infection * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception * No active second malignancy except nonmelanomatous skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix * Patients are not considered to have active malignancy if they have completed therapy and are considered to be at less than 30% risk of relapse * No history of severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions to paclitaxel or docetaxel PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * No more than 1 prior systemic chemotherapy regimen * At least 4 weeks since prior systemic chemotherapy and recovered * Prior intrapleural cytotoxic agents (including bleomycin) allowed * No concurrent chemotherapy * At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered * No concurrent radiotherapy * At least 30 days since prior investigational drug and recovered * No concurrent investigational drug