PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 4 weeks since immunotherapy Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since chemotherapy No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since radiotherapy (8 weeks if systemic radioisotope treatment with strontium chloride Sr 89) No concurrent radiation of the only measurable lesion No concurrent radiotherapy or radioisotope therapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since major surgery No concurrent surgery to the only measurable lesion Other: Permanent venous access device (e.g., mediport or Hickman catheter) required