OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the efficacy of recombinant keratinocyte growth factor in reducing the duration of severe oral mucositis induced by total body irradiation and high dose chemotherapy in patients with hematologic malignancies. II. Determine the incidence and duration of severe oral mucositis, grade 2-4 diarrhea, and febrile neutropenia in these patients. III. Determine the necessity of use of transdermal or parenteral opioid analgesics and IV antifungals or antibiotics for febrile neutropenia or infections in these patients. IV. Determine the quality of life of these patients.