PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: WBC at least 4,000/mm3 OR Absolute neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin normal AST/SGOT no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min Other: No serious active infection Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception