PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Any age Performance status: 0-2 Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times normal AST no greater than 3 times normal Renal: Not specified Other: No active, uncontrolled condition including: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection Hyperglycemia Gastric or duodenal ulcer No existing medical condition requiring systemic corticosteroids (inhaled and topical steroids allowed) No concurrent use of the following: Terfenadine Astemizole Cisapride