Sorafenib and Isolated Limb Infusion of Melphalan in Treating Patients With Stage III Melanoma of the Arm or Leg

RATIONALE: Sorafenib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth and by blocking blood flow to the tumor. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as melphalan, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Sorafenib may also make tumor cells more sensitive to melphalan. Giving sorafenib together with an isolated limb infusion of melphalan may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of sorafenib when given together with an isolated limb infusion of melphalan in treating patients with stage III melanoma of the arm or leg.