PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 70-100% Zubrod 0 or 1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count greater than 2,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Renal function normal Creatinine less than 1.6 mg/dL Gastrointestinal: Must maintain adequate oral nutrition (90-100% of estimated need for calories and protein) and be free of nausea and vomiting prior to radiotherapy (feeding tube allowed) Other: Prior malignancy allowed at the discretion of the protocol investigator No other serious uncontrolled medical condition Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception