DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed cancer with documented regional lymph node or distant metastases not considered cured by standard therapy Achievement of maximum benefit (i.e., CR or PR) from cytoreductive therapy prior to entry allowed Eligible tumor types include: Breast Prostate Colorectal Sarcoma Lung Renal cell Melanoma Large resected primary cancers at risk for recurrence and for which no standard adjuvant therapy available Viable autologous tumor cells derived from an autologous tumor cell line required No active brain metastases Previously treated and responsive brain metastases allowed unless corticosteroid dependent