OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the maximum tolerated doses of combined topotecan, paclitaxel, and carboplatin (TOPO/TAX/CBDCA) with or without filgrastim (G-CSF) in patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphomas. II. Determine the toxic effects of this regimen in these patients. III. Determine the pharmacokinetics of TOPO/TAX/CBDCA and whether TAX/CBDCA will affect the pharmacokinetics of TOPO on day 1 as compared to TOPO administered alone on day 3. IV. Describe any clinical responses observed in these patients.