Cetuximab in Treating Patients With Ménétrier Disease at High Risk of Developing Stomach Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed Ménétrier disease * Symptomatic disease, including gastrointestinal symptoms which interfere with daily life * Patient is considering surgery * Must have failed medical therapy that was given for 6 months * No Helicobacter pylori infection PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception * No NYHA class III-IV cardiovascular disease * No clinically unstable pulmonary disease * No chronic disease requiring ongoing therapy for stabilization, including any of the following: * Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus * Malignancy * Thyroid disease * Hypertension * Active infections requiring systemic antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals * Uncontrolled seizure disorder * Active neurological disease * No unstable coagulation disorders (e.g., hemorrhagic diatheses or active bleeding disorders) that require medical management PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * Not specified