PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: CALGB 0-2 Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin within normal limits Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.5 mg/dL Cardiovascular: No unstable angina or myocardial infarction in previous 6 months Other: Not pregnant No significant concomitant illness, uncontrolled infection, or cirrhosis