PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Performance status: Karnofsky 70-100% Zubrod 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Albumin at least 3 g/dL Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 3 times upper limit of normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No significant infection Peripheral neurologic toxicity limited to paresthesia and decreased vibratory sense without motor weakness allowed Constipation managed with laxatives without evidence of bowel obstruction allowed No psychological disorders including delirium, confusion, suicidal ideation, or untreated depression