PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 8 weeks Hematopoietic: Neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL SGOT no greater than 5 times upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Pulmonary: No respiratory failure Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No active infection or other concurrent severe medical illness that would interfere with compliance