Mesothelioma Clinical Trials PTK787/ZK 222584 in Treating Patients With Unresectable Malignant Mesothelioma This study is currently recruiting patients. Sponsored by Cancer and Leukemia Group B   For more information:National Cancer Institute (NCI) RATIONALE: PTK787/ZK 222584 may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking the enzymes necessary for tumor cell growth. PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of PTK787/ZK 222584 in treating patients with unresectablemalignant mesothelioma. Condition Treatment or Intervention advanced malignant mesothelioma epithelial mesothelioma recurrent malignant mesothelioma sarcomatous mesothelioma Drug: PTK787/ZK 222584 Procedure: anti-cytokine therapy Procedure: antiangiogenesis therapy Procedure: biological response modifier therapy Procedure: enzyme inhibitor therapy Procedure: growth factor antagonist therapy Procedure: protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy This is a Phase II test In Phase II clinical trials, the study drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people (100-300) to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety. Study Type: Interventional Study Design: Treatment Official Title: Phase II Study of PTK787/ZK 222584 in Patients With Unresectable Malignant Mesothelioma Further Study Details:  OBJECTIVES: Determine the efficacy of PTK787/ZK 222584, in terms of 3-month progression-free survival, in patients with malignant mesothelioma. Determine the response rate in patients treated with this drug. Determine the toxicity of this drug in these patients. Determine the overall and failure-free survival of patients treated with this drug. Correlate pretreatment circulating serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor, and VEGF mRNA isoforms with response in patients treated with this drug. OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study. Patients receive oral PTK787/ZK 222584 daily. Courses repeat every 21 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients are followed every 2 months for 1 year, every 4 months for 1 year, and then every 6 months for 1 year. PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 40 patients will be accrued for this study within 9-13 months. Ages Eligible for Study:  18 Years and above,  Genders Eligible for Study:  Both Criteria DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed malignant mesothelioma of 1 of the following types: Epithelial Sarcomatoid Mixed Not amenable to radiotherapy or curative surgery Any site of origin including, but not limited to, the following: Pleura Peritoneum Pericardium Tunica vaginalis At least one unidimensionally measurable lesion outside of prior irradiation port At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR at least 10 mm by spiral CT scan The following are not considered measurable: Bone lesions Leptomeningeal disease Ascites Pleural/pericardial effusion Lymphangitis cutis/pulmonis Abdominal masses that are not confirmed and followed by imaging techniques Cystic lesions No known brain metastases