PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 15 Performance status: Any status Hematopoietic: (unless secondary to tumor) Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 1.5 mg/dL Elevation secondary to tumor discussed with study chairman Renal: (unless secondary to tumor) Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Cardiovascular: Left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 55% by echocardiography Pulmonary: No chronic obstructive or restrictive lung disease Pulmonary consultation required in cases of doubt Other: No HIV infection No prior malignancy with less than a 90% 5-year survival probability No patients unable or unlikely to adhere to treatment because of geographic, economic, emotional, or social factors No unwillingness to accept blood product transfusions or other supportive measures (e.g., antibiotics)