Cytotoxic T Cells and Interleukin-2 in Treating Adult Patients With Recurrent Brain Tumors

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Kernohan Grade III/IV primary malignant brain tumor that has failed conventional surgical resection and radiotherapy Evidence of recurrent tumor on gadolinium-enhanced MRI following completion of radiotherapy (minimum 5,000 cGy for adults) required The following histologies are eligible: Anaplastic astrocytoma Anaplastic oligodendroglioma Glioblastoma multiforme Mixed anaplastic glioma Surgical resection of progressing brain tumor feasible No evidence of tumor extending across the midline from one hemisphere to the other No multifocal tumor or leptomeningeal spread

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: At least 2 months Hematopoietic: WBC greater than 2,000 Platelets greater than 100,000 Hct at least 28% Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 1.5 mg/dl Renal: Creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dl Cardiovascular: No major cardiovascular problems Pulmonary: No major pulmonary problems Other: Seronegative for HTLV/HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C No concurrent systemic infection Ability to maintain proper nutrition (orally or intravenously) during the study period required No pregnant women

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: More than 4 weeks since systemic chemotherapy (6 weeks since carmustine), with the WBC increasing on 2 consecutive determinations at least 3 days apart Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: At least 8 weeks since radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics