PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No other concurrent prophylactic hematopoietic growth factors (i.e., filgrastim (G-CSF) or sargramostim (GM-CSF)) Chemotherapy: No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for advanced disease At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for mitomycin or nitrosoureas) and recovered Prior cisplatin, carboplatin, docetaxel, paclitaxel, or gemcitabine allowed No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: At least 3 weeks since prior hormonal therapy and recovered Radiotherapy: At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified Other: At least 3 weeks since prior investigational drugs and recovered No other concurrent experimental agents No other concurrent anti-cancer therapy No concurrent prophylactic oral or IV antibiotics without fever present