Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion * Histologic proof of solid tumor malignancy * ANC \>= 1500/microliter * PLT \>= 150,000/microliter * Total bilirubin =\< 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) * AST =\< 2.5 x ULN or AST =\< 5 x ULN if liver involvement * Serum creatinine =\< 1.5 * Life expectancy \>= 12 weeks * ECOG performance status 0, 1, or 2 * Subjects with asymptomatic brain metastases are allowed Exclusion * ECOG PS 3 or 4 * Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including but not limited to ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements * Patients must not have received chemotherapy or radiation therapy for at least four weeks, and they must have recovered from any toxicities of previous treatment (ongoing grade 1 dermatologic toxicities are allowable) * Eligible patients should not be taking enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants due to the potential of pharmacokinetic interactions * Pregnant and nursing women * Men or women of childbearing potential who are unwilling to employ adequate contraception (condoms, diaphragm, birth control pills, injections, intrauterine device \[IUD\] or abstinence, etc.) * Other concurrent chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiotherapy * HIV-positive patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy (HAART); there is a potential for pharmacokinetic interactions * Bisphosphonate therapy (e.g. pamidronate or zoledronate) will not be considered investigational agents for the purpose of trial eligibility * Pre-existing grade \>= 2 neuropathy * No previous treatment with PS-341 allowed, however there is no limit to other prior therapy with chemotherapy, including topotecan, and radiation therapy