PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 5 days since interferon therapy Chemotherapy: No prior cytotoxic chemotherapy except for mucocutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma At least 12 months since cytotoxic chemotherapy for Kaposi's sarcoma Endocrine therapy: Prior steroids allowed No concurrent steroid therapy greater than 5 mg prednisone (or equivalent) per day Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy except for mucocutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma Surgery: Not specified Other: No concurrent zidovudine (AZT) Concurrent antiretroviral medications other than AZT allowed