PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 to 75 Performance status: WHO 0-3 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 1.25 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Renal: Creatinine less than 1.25 times ULN Cardiovascular: No history of atrial or ventricular arrhythmias No history of congestive heart failure, even if medically controlled No history of documented myocardial infarction Neurologic: No motor or sensory neuropathy grade 2 or more No dementia or significantly altered mental status Other: HIV negative No active infection or other serious underlying medical condition No prior allergic reaction to a drug containing Cremophor EL No complete bowel obstruction Not pregnant or nursing Adequate contraception required of all fertile patients