PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL No hepatic insufficiency Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL No renal failure Cardiovascular: Cardiac ejection fraction at least 50% by radionuclide ventriculogram No myocardial infarction within the past year No active angina No congestive heart failure No arrhythmias requiring medication Other: No active peptic ulcers No uncontrolled infection or other serious medical condition that would prevent compliance with chemotherapy No uncontrolled diabetes No spinal cord compression or carcinomatous meningitis