Patients (144) with advanced renal cell cancer were evaluated for objective response to single-agent treatment with megestrol acetate, VP-16-213 [4''-demethylepipodophyllotoxin-.beta.-D-ethylidene], cyclophosphamide or dianhydrogalactitol. In view of the low order of response observed, these agents do not appear to be effective in the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer. Performance status and a relatively long interval from onset of primary symptoms to study entry were the most favorable prognostic variables affecting time to progression and survival for patients in this study.