PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) AST or ALT no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Cardiovascular: No New York Heart Association Class III or IV heart disease No myocardial infarction within last 6 months No congestive heart failure No unstable angina No clinically significant pericardial effusion or arrhythmia Neurology: No current peripheral neuropathy of any etiology that is greater than grade 1 Other: No active serious infection or other serious underlying medical condition No prior significant allergic reactions to drugs containing Cremophor, such as teniposide, cyclosporin, or vitamin K Not pregnant or nursing Adequate contraception required of all fertile patients