PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Menopausal status: Not specified Performance status: Zubrod 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: WBC at least 4000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Absolute neutrophil count at least 1500/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL SGOT no greater than 2 times normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL BUN no greater than 30 mg/dL Other: Effective birth control must be used by fertile patients (barrier method preferred) Not pregnant or nursing