Vaccine Therapy in Treating Patients With Epstein-Barr Virus-Related Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed malignancy of a type typically associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent infection meeting the following criteria: * The presence of EBV within the malignant cells has been demonstrated by immunohistochemistry for viral antigens or by EBER (EBV early RNA) in situ hybridization * Patients in remission from disease or with disease for which no standard treatment is appropriate, as defined by 1 of the following groups: * Have achieved a continuing complete response (CR) or unconfirmed CR * Residual masses at the site of treated disease that are not progressing (i.e., stable disease) and for which no standard therapy is recognized * Residual or recurrent disease that is low-volume and causing minimal or no symptoms and for which no standard therapy is recognized * Completed standard therapy for malignancy ≥ 12 weeks before trial entry * No more than 1 course of chemotherapy as treatment for EBV+ malignancy * No ongoing toxic manifestations of prior treatment, except alopecia or certain grade 1 toxicities at the discretion of the investigator and Cancer Research UK * No patients with active EBV+ cancer for whom evidence-based active treatment is available and likely to be offered to prolong life or relieve symptoms within 14 weeks of the first vaccination PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * WHO performance status 0 or 1 * Life expectancy ≥ 4 months * Lymphocyte count must satisfy 1 of the following criteria: * Gre…