PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 9.0 g/dL Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL AST/ALT no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Renal: Creatinine less than 1.5 times ULN Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No preexisting peripheral neuropathy greater than grade 1 due to any cause No documented hypersensitivity reaction grade 2 or greater to prior paclitaxel or other therapy containing Cremophor EL No serious uncontrolled medical disorder or active infection that would preclude protocol therapy No dementia or altered mental status that would preclude compliance HIV negative