OUTLINE: This is an open label, nonrandomized, single center, dose escalation study. Patients receive amifostine IV for two weeks, followed by 2 weeks of rest. Each treatment cycle is 4 weeks. Responses are evaluated after each cycle (for a minimum of 2 induction cycles). Patients with a grade 0 toxicity in the first course receive a 25% increase in dose during the second course. Patients with grade 1 or 2 toxicity receive no dose change. Patients with grade 3 toxicity receive a 25% reduction in dose or treatment is stopped. All patients demonstrating response are eligible for maintenance therapy. Treatment is continued for up to 12 months or a total of 13 cycles.