PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Any age Performance status: Zubrod 0-1 Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: No severe liver dysfunction (Child's Class C) Bilirubin no greater than 3.0 mg/dL Albumin no greater than 3.0 mg/dL PT no greater than 50% above normal Renal: No renal dysfunction Creatinine less than 2.0 mg/dL Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No altered mental status No active infection