PEG-Interferon Alfa-2b in Treating Patients With Stage IV Melanoma

Inclusion Criteria

• •Histologically confirmed stage IV melanoma
• •* Stage M1a, M1b, or M1c
• •* Mucosal, ocular, or unknown primary melanoma
• •Previously untreated OR received up to 3 prior systemic therapy regimens (excluding vaccine therapy) for metastatic disease
• •Plasma basic fibroblast growth factor level at least 15 pg/mL
• •Measurable or evaluable disease
• •Central nervous system (CNS) involvement allowed provided CNS directed therapy has been given and disease has been clinically stable for ≥ 3 months
• •* Brain computed tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm stable disease required ≤ 4 weeks prior to study entry
• •Age: 18 and over
• •ECOG Performance status of 0-2
• •Life expectancy at least 6 months
• •Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3
• •Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3
• •Hemoglobin at least 8 g/dL (transfusions allowed)
• •Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
• •Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) no greater than 2 times ULN
• •Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min
• •At least 4 weeks since prior interferon in the adjuvant or metastatic setting
• •At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy in the adjuvant or metastatic setting
• •At least 4 weeks since prior endocrine therapy in the adjuvant or metastatic setting
• •At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy in the adjuvant or metastatic setting
• •At least 4 weeks since prior surgery in the adjuvant or metastatic setting
• •At least 4 weeks since other prior therapy in the adjuvant or metastatic setting
• •Negative pregnancy test
• •Fertile patients must use effective contraception