OUTLINE: This is a randomized, parallel, controlled, double blind study. Patients are randomized to one of two treatment arms. Arm I: Patients receive amifostine IV over 10 minutes, 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy. Arm II: Patients receive a placebo IV over 10 minutes, 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy. Treatment repeats every 3 weeks for 8 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Quality of life is assessed prior to courses 1, 4, and 8, and then every 3 months for 1 year. Patients are followed monthly for 6 months.