OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the efficacy of recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (rHuKGF) in reducing severe oral mucositis induced by total body irradiation and high dose chemotherapy in patients with hematologic malignancies. II. Compare the incidence of severe oral mucositis, the use of transdermal or perenteral opioid analgesics, and the incidence and duration of grade 2-4 diarrhea with or without rHuKGF in these patients. III. Determine the quality of life of these patients. IV. Determine the duration of febrile neutropenia and the duration of treatment with intravenous antifungals or antibiotics in these patients.