PS-341 in Treating Patients With Metastatic Kidney Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed metastatic renal cell cancer * Measurable disease * At least 2.0 cm in at least 1 dimension by physical exam OR at least 1.0 cm in at least 1 dimension by radiologic exam * Single measurable lesion must not be within prior radiotherapy portal * Tumor lesion amenable to core biopsy * At least 1 cm of tumor obtainable * No active CNS metastatic disease * Single previously resected CNS metastasis allowed provided no disease progression 8 weeks after therapy and no longer requiring steroids or antiseizure medications PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Performance status: * Not specified Life expectancy: * More than 3 months Hematopoietic: * WBC at least 3,000/mm\^3 * Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3 Hepatic: * Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * AST/ALT no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: * Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Cardiovascular: * No symptomatic congestive heart failure * No unstable angina pectoris * No cardiac arrhythmia Other: * No other uncontrolled concurrent illness * No ongoing or active infection * No psychiatric illness or social situation that would preclude study compliance * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective barrier-method contraception during and for 3 months after study participation PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * Prior immunotherapy or biotherapy allowed Chemotherapy: * No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: * See Disease Characteristics Radiotherapy: * See Disease Characteristics * At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy * No prior radiotherapy to 25% or more of bone marrow (i.e., whole pelvis) Surgery: * See Disease Characteristics Other: * No other concurrent investigational agents * No concurrent combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive patients