17-N-Allylamino-17-Demethoxygeldanamycin in Treating Patients With Advanced Epithelial Cancer, Malignant Lymphoma, or Sarcoma

Inclusion Criteria: * Histologically confirmed advanced epithelial cancer, malignant lymphoma, or sarcoma for which no standard curative therapy exists * Brain metastases allowed after definitive radiotherapy * Performance status - ECOG 0-2 * Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3 * Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL * SGOT no greater than 2 times normal * Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL * Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception for at least 1 week before, during, and for at least 2 weeks after study completion * No active infection * No other serious concurrent condition * No prior allergic reaction to egg products * At least 4 weeks since prior biologic therapy (regional or systemic) * At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy * See Disease Characteristics * At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy