OBJECTIVES: I. Demonstrate that the graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylactic regimen consisting of T-cell depletion and cyclosporine results in less toxicity than the control regimen of methotrexate and cyclosporine in recipients of peripheral blood stem cell transplants. II. Monitor safety of the two regimens in order to assure that the treatment regimen dose not result in any increase in serious or unexpected toxicities, does not compromise the efficacy of GVHD prophylaxis, and does not compromise the efficacy of the disease therapy.