PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease At least 4 weeks since prior neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant chemotherapy No other concurrent chemotherapy No concurrent investigational antineoplastic drugs Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered No concurrent radiotherapy to any lesion Surgery: See Disease Characteristics