OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose limiting toxicity of bryostatin 1 in combination with cisplatin in patients with advanced malignancy. II. Determine the recommended phase II doses of bryostatin 1 and cisplatin in both a 21 day and 14 day course, based on toxicity, effect on protein kinase C activity, and pharmacokinetics, in this patient population. III. Determine the pharmacokinetics of bryostatin 1 in these patients. IV. Identify any objective tumor responses arising from treatment in these patients.