PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Zubrod 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: WBC no greater than 10,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Transaminases less than 5 times upper limit of normal Albumin at least 3 g/dL Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Cardiovascular: Cardiac ejection fraction at least 50% normal No myocardial infarction within the past 6 months No disseminated intravascular coagulation Pulmonary: FEV1 at least 70% normal Other: No uncontrolled infections No other concurrent serious medical problems or psychiatric disorders No prior severe penicillin allergy (hives or anaphylactic reactions) Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception