PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Menopausal status: Not specified Performance status: ECOG 0-2 OR Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,000/mm3 Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Fasting triglycerides within normal range Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) SGOT and/or SGPT no greater than 2.5 times ULN Concurrent medication with drugs that significantly alter hepatic metabolism (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, oral azole antifungals) allowed only if dosage stable Renal: Creatinine less than 2 times ULN OR Creatinine clearance greater than 40 mL/min Concurrent medication with drugs that significantly alter renal metabolism (e.g., probenecid) allowed only if dosage stable Other: At least 5 years since any other prior invasive malignancy except basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin No serious concurrent illness that would prevent compliance No history of or clinically significant risk factors for developing pancreatitis Fasting triglycerides within normal range Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception