PEG-Interferon Alfa-2b, Sargramostim, and Thalidomide in Treating Patients With Metastatic Kidney Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed renal cell carcinoma * Metastatic disease * Measurable disease * Unidimensionally measurable lesion ≥ 20 mm by conventional techniques OR ≥ 10 mm by spiral CT scan or MRI * Histologic confirmation required if measurable disease is confined to a solitary lesion * The following are not considered measurable disease: * Bone disease only * Pleural or peritoneal metastases * CNS lesions * Irradiated lesions unless disease progression was documented after prior radiotherapy PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age * 18 and over Performance status * ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy * Not specified Hematopoietic * Granulocyte count ≥ 1,500/mm\^3 * Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm\^3 Hepatic * Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dL * No decompensated liver disease Renal * Creatinine ≤ 2.0 mg/dL Immunologic * No known or suspected hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or to any excipient or vehicle included in the formulation or delivery system * No history of autoimmune disease * No autoimmune hepatitis * No immunosuppressed transplantation recipients Other * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use 2 effective methods of contraception 4 weeks before, during, and for 4 weeks after study participation * No pre-existing thyroid abnormalities for which thyroid function cannot be maintained in the normal range * No severe psychiatric condition or disorder, including suicidal ideation or attempt * No other active malignancy except nonmelanoma skin cancer PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy * No prior immunotherapy Chemotherapy * Not specified Endocrine therapy * Not specified Radiotherapy * See Disease Characteristics * More than 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy Surgery * Not specified