PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior biologic therapy Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No prior corticosteroids or other endocrine therapy No concurrent treatment with prednisone (except for prophylaxis, treatment of acute hypersensitivity, or chronic treatment initiated greater than 6 months prior to study entry) Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy Surgery: No prior surgery for malignancy Other: No concurrent treatment with other experimental drugs No involvement in clinical trials within 30 days of study No prior treatment with other cytostatic therapy