PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Performance status: Not specified Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Platelet count at least 50,000/mm3 Granulocyte count at least 1,000/mm3 Hepatic: SGOT and SGPT no greater than 3 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Bilirubin no greater than 3 times ULN Renal: Creatinine less than 2.5 mg/dL Cardiovascular: MUGA at least lower limit of normal Normal ejection fraction and/or stable cardiac status Other: No medical or social factors that would interfere with compliance Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception No serious concurrent illness requiring immediate therapy