PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior immunotherapy within 4 weeks of study Concurrent use of growth factors is allowed in cases of febrile neutropenia (prophylactic use not allowed) Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy within 4 weeks of study No prior nitrosoureas, mitomycin, or high dose carboplatin within 6 weeks of study Endocrine therapy: No concurrent corticosteroids (unless approved by clinical investigator) Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy within 4 weeks of study No prior extensive radiotherapy within 6 weeks of study Surgery: Not specified Other: No prior experimental therapy No prior anthracyclines or anthracenediones