PEG-Interferon Alfa-2b in Treating Patients With Stage IV Melanoma

Inclusion criteria: * Histologically confirmed stage IV melanoma * Stage M1a, M1b, or M1c * Mucosal, ocular, or unknown primary melanoma * Previously untreated OR received up to 3 prior systemic therapy regimens (excluding vaccine therapy) for metastatic disease * Plasma basic fibroblast growth factor level at least 15 pg/mL * Measurable or evaluable disease * Central nervous system (CNS) involvement allowed provided CNS directed therapy has been given and disease has been clinically stable for ≥ 3 months * Brain computed tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm stable disease required ≤ 4 weeks prior to study entry * Age: 18 and over * ECOG Performance status of 0-2 * Life expectancy at least 6 months * Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3 * Hemoglobin at least 8 g/dL (transfusions allowed) * Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) no greater than 2 times ULN * Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min * At least 4 weeks since prior interferon in the adjuvant or metastatic setting * At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy in the adjuvant or metastatic setting * At least 4 weeks since prior endocrine therapy in the adjuvant or metastatic setting * At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy in the adjuvant or metastatic setting * At least 4 weeks since prior surgery in the adjuvant or metastatic setting * At least 4 weeks since other prior therapy in the adjuvant or metastatic setting * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception Exclusion criteria: * Myocardial infarction within the past 6 months * Other active malignancy within the past 5 years except curatively treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix * Other concurrent illness that would preclude study participation * History of severe depression * Pregnant or nursing