PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky at least 60% Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: AGC at least 1500/uL Platelet count at least 100,000/uL Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Other: No active or uncontrolled infections No history of grade 3-4 peripheral neuropathy of any etiology No previously developed severe hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel Not pregnant or lactating Patients of childbearing potential must use effective method of contraception