DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically or cytologically proven advanced cancer not amenable to curative therapy (solid tumors and hematologic malignancies eligible except primary and metastatic brain tumors)
• Cachexia (weight loss at least 2 percent within a one month period)

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

• 18 and over

Performance Status:

• CALBG 0-2

Life Expectancy:

• At least 2 months

Hematopoietic:

• Granulocytes greater than 1,000/mm3
• Platelet count greater than 75,000/mm3
• Hemoglobin greater than 8 mg/dL

Hepatic:

• AST less than 3 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
• Alkaline phosphatase less than 3 times ULN
• Bilirubin less than 1.5 times ULN

Renal:

• BUN less than 1.5 times ULN
• Creatinine less than 1.5 times ULN

Cardiovascular:

• No congestive heart failure requiring diuretics within less than 6 months
• No uncontrolled or severe cardiovascular disease within less than 6 months
• No myocardial infarction within less than 6 months

Other:

• Not pregnant nor contemplating pregnancy during study
• Negative pregnancy test
• No uncontrolled hypercalcemia
• No metabolic disorders (hyperthyroidism)
• No poorly controlled diabetes
• No peripheral edema or ascites requiring diuretics
• No enteric fistulas, with tracheobronchial fistulas or with aspiration
• No esophageal or bowel obstruction that would preclude eating
• Free T4 within normal range
• No serious medical illness
• No psychosis
• No uncontrolled bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
• No active uncontrolled duodenal ulcers
• Above laboratory values required unless bone marrow, liver, kidney, or splenic involvement by tumor is documented

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

• Not specified

Chemotherapy:

• Prior and concurrent chemotherapy allowed

Endocrine therapy:

• No concurrent steroids such as dronabinol or megestrol acetate (except for adrenal failure)

Radiotherapy:

• No prior or concurrent radiotherapy to abdomen or pelvis

Surgery:

• Greater than 3 weeks since major surgery
• Greater than 1 week since minor surgery

Other:

• No concurrent diuretics