OUTLINE: Patients are described according to stage, performance status, prior radiotherapy, prior surgery, and prior mitotane therapy. Patients receive suramin IV for 5 days in the first week, then twice a week for 2 weeks, and then weekly for a total of 12 weeks. Hydrocortisone is taken PO twice daily. Following a 12 week rest, patients receive a second course; those with stable or responding disease continue treatment for a maximum of four courses.