PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: SWOG 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) ALT and/or AST no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2 times ULN Neurological: No evidence of moderate peripheral neuropathy greater than grade 1 Other: Not pregnant Fertile patients must use effective contraception No medical, social, or psychological factors interfering with compliance