DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed hematologic malignancy including: Acute myeloid leukemia Chronic myelogenous leukemia Acute lymphoblastic leukemia Chronic lymphocytic leukemia Hodgkin's disease Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Multiple myeloma Myelodysplastic syndrome subtypes: Refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) RAEB in transformation Refractory to standard treatment or no curative therapy available Measurable disease Not eligible for higher priority study