DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Multiple myeloma confirmed by bone marrow plasmacytosis and with measurable M-component in the serum or urine by immunoelectrophoresis or immunofixation No Stage I myeloma No smoldering multiple myeloma Refractory to or in first relapse following an initial response to VAD (vincristine/doxorubicin/dexamethasone), with relapse defined as any of the following: 50% increase above the lowest remission level of serum or urine M-protein while on therapy 25-50% increase above the lowest remission level of serum or urine M-protein associated with either: Hypercalcemia (greater than 11 mg/dl) Hb decrease of 2 g/dl attributable to increasing marrow plasmacytosis Appearance of new lytic lesions Calcium no greater than 11 mg/dl No myeloma meningitis No plasma cell leukemia