PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL ALT and AST no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Renal: Creatinine less than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: No uncontrolled or significant cardiovascular disease No myocardial infarction within past 6 months No congestive heart failure (with or without therapy) No history of atrial or ventricular arrhythmias No history of second or third degree heart block Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No serious uncontrolled medical disorder or active infection No known hypersensitivity to drugs containing Cremophor EL No concurrent neurologic toxicity No dementia or altered mental status