OUTLINE: This is a multicenter, dose-escalation study of epirubicin and docetaxel. Patients receive epirubicin IV over 15 minutes followed by docetaxel IV over 60 minutes on day 1. Patients also receive filgrastim (G-CSF) subcutaneously on days 4-13. Treatment continues every 3 weeks for at least 6 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Cohorts of 3-6 patients receive escalating doses of epirubicin and docetaxel until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is determined. The MTD is defined as the dose in which at least 2 of 6 patients experience dose-limiting toxicity. Additional patients will be accrued to receive treatment at the recommended phase II dose (phase II closed as of 03/27/2000). Patients are followed at 1 month and then every 3 months for survival.