Etoposide and Celecoxib in Patients With Advanced Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically or cytologically proven diagnosis of a malignant disease for which no satisfactory treatment exists at the time of enrollment * Patients with brain metastases which at the time of study enrollment are controlled and do not require treatment with corticosteroids are eligible PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Inclusion criteria: * WHO performance status 0-2 * Life expectancy ≥ 3 months * ANC \> 1.5 x 10\^9/L * Platelet count \> 100 x 10\^9/L * Creatinine clearance \> 50 mL/min * Serum bilirubin \< 1.5 mg/dL * AST and ALT \< 2.0 times upper limit of normal (unless clearly due to the presence of tumor) * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception * Patient must be capable of understanding the nature of the trial and must give written informed consent Exclusion criteria: * Unstable or severe intercurrent medical conditions or active, uncontrolled infection * History of allergic reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) * History of bleeding peptic ulcer within the past 3 months PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Inclusion criteria: * Recovered from all prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy * Concurrent aspirin for cardiovascular indications allowed * More than 2 weeks since prior and no other concurrent NSAIDs Exclusion criteria: * Had radiotherapy or chemotherapy within 3 weeks (nitrosoureas or mitomycin C within 6 weeks) prior to anticipated first day of dosing * Undergoing concurrent therapy with other investigational agents or antineoplastic therapy