PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Neutrophil count at least 1,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) AND SGOT no greater than 2.5 times ULN AND Alkaline phosphatase no greater than ULN OR SGOT no greater than ULN AND Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Other: No pre-existing peripheral neuropathy greater than grade 2 Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception