DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma that requires systemic chemotherapy One or more of the following (Kaposi's sarcoma- or AIDS-associated): Edema that impairs functional activity Symptomatic, evaluable pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma documented within 3 months before study Symptomatic, evaluable GI Kaposi's sarcoma documented within 3 months before study Moderate or severe pain despite the use of analgesics Lesion(s) that patient feels are disfiguring and impair patient's self-image or daily activities At least 5 bidimensionally measurable monocutaneous lesions