PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 2 and over Performance status: Not specified Life expectancy: At least 28 days Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: No grade 2 or greater hepatic impairment Renal: No grade 2 or greater renal impairment No peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis Other: No history of severe allergic reaction to polyene antifungal agent No pregnant or nursing women Negative pregnancy test required of fertile women Effective contraception required of fertile women during and for 3 months after study