Inhaled Sargramostim in Treating Patients With Melanoma Metastatic to the Lung

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed metastatic melanoma to the lung for which no known standard therapy exists * At least 1 unidimensionally measurable lesion * HLA-A2 positive (part A patients only) * Previously treated CNS metastases allowed provided there is no evidence of disease progression within the past 3 months PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Performance status: * ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: * At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: * Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,000/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 75,000/mm\^3 * Hemoglobin at least 8.0 g/dL Hepatic: * Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * AST no greater than 3 times ULN Renal: * Creatinine no greater than 2.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: * No New York Heart Association class III or IV heart disease Pulmonary: * No pulmonary disease requiring concurrent active therapy (e.g., supplemental oxygen or bronchodilator) * FEV\_1 at least 65% of predicted and at least 1.5 L Immunologic: * No known immunodeficiency state * No known autoimmune disease * No uncontrolled infection Other: * No active psychotic disorder requiring pharmacotherapy * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * More than 2 weeks since prior biologic therapy * More than 2 weeks since prior immunotherapy * More than 4 weeks since prior filgrastim (G-CSF) or sargramostim (GM-CSF) * No other concurrent biologic therapy or immunotherapy * No concurrent G-CSF * No concurrent GM-CSF other than study drug Chemotherapy: * More than 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for nitrosoureas or mitomycin) * No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: * More than 2 weeks since prior corticosteroids * No concurrent glucocorticosteroids Radiotherapy: * More than 2 weeks since prior radiotherapy * No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: * Not specified Other: * More than 7 days since prior parenteral antibiotics * No concurrent parenteral antibiotics * No concurrent immunosuppressive agents