PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 17 and over Performance Status: ECOG 0-2 Life Expectancy: Greater than 6 months Hematopoietic: Hemoglobin less than 8.5 g/dL Absolute granulocyte count less than 1,000 g/dL Platelet count less than 70,000/mm3 Hepatic: No major hepatic problems Renal: No major renal problems Cardiovascular: No major cardiac disease Other: Prior transfusion of blood products is allowed Not pregnant Fertile patients must use effective contraception