OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the maximum tolerated dose of SR-45023A in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors. II. Determine the quantitative and qualitative toxic effects of SR-45023A in these patients. III. Assess the plasma and urine pharmacokinetics of SR-45023A and relate these to drug effects, if possible, in these patients. IV. Determine any preliminary antitumor activity of SR-45023A in these patients.