PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic: No prior biologic therapy for disease No concurrent erythropoietin Chemotherapy: No concurrent chemotherapy No prior chemotherapy for disease Endocrine: No concurrent chronic oral corticosteroids No prior corticosteroids for autoimmune complications developing since diagnosis No concurrent hormone therapy for disease related conditions No concurrent dexamethasone or other corticosteroid-based antiemetics Radiotherapy: No concurrent palliative radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified Other: No prophylactic therapy for viral, bacterial, or fungal infections