PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) AST/ALT no greater than 2.5 times ULN (5 times ULN if documented liver metastases) Renal: Creatinine no greater than ULN OR Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Other: No greater than grade 1 neuropathy or ototoxicity No other prior or concurrent malignancy within the past 5 years except curatively treated basal or squamous cell skin cancer or cervical cancer (for recommended phase II dose) No active or uncontrolled infections No other serious illnesses or medical conditions that would preclude study No known hypersensitivity to systemic liposomal formulation or any drug chemically related to study drug Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception