S9811 Hydroxyurea in Treating Patients With Unresectable Benign Meningioma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed unresectable primary, recurrent, or residual benign meningioma * Measurable disease by CT scan or MRI * Must have disease progression within the past 10 years OR progressive neurologic deficit within the past 6 months * Must have undergone prior radiotherapy with subsequent disease progression OR refused radiotherapy PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Performance status: * SWOG 0-2 Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * WBC at least 4,000/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least lower limit of normal Hepatic: * Not specified Renal: * Not specified Other: * Not pregnant or nursing * Fertile patients must use effective contraception * No other malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal or squamous cell skin cancer, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or adequately treated stage I or II cancer in complete remission PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * Not specified Chemotherapy: * No prior cytotoxic chemotherapy for meningioma * Prior mifepristone allowed * No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: * Concurrent glucocorticoids and hormone replacement therapy allowed if stable dose maintained for at least 72 hours prior to CT scan or MRI * No concurrent antitumor hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: * See Disease Characteristics * At least 6 months since prior radiotherapy * No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: * Not specified