PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No other investigational drugs allowed during this study Biologic therapy: Prior biologic therapy allowed No concurrent biologic therapy allowed No concurrent growth factor to induce neutrophil increase No concurrent erythropoietin Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease At least 3 months since any neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment, and induction chemotherapy preceding radical radiotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Protocol Outline Concurrent steroids should be maintained on the lowest dose possible Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy allowed Concurrent local radiotherapy to nonbrain lesions allowed Concurrent palliative radiation therapy of bone lesions permitted No concurrent radiation to target lesions No concurrent brain radiotherapy Surgery: Prior surgery allowed