PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Zubrod 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Hematocrit less than 26% (or requiring transfusion) for at least 4 weeks Absolute neutrophil count less than 1000/mm3 for at least 4 weeks Platelet count less than 50/mm3 for at least 4 weeks Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 1.5 mg/dL Transaminase less than 2.5 times upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dL Creatinine clearance of at least 60 mL/min Other: Not pregnant or lactating Fertile patients must use effective contraception while on study and for 100 days afterwards No uncontrolled or life-threatening infection