DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed advanced or metastatic solid tumors or lymphoma Refractory to standard curative therapy OR No curative therapy exists Serologically, clinically, and/or radiographically assessable disease No newly diagnosed brain metastases Intracranial disease that is stable for at least 6 months allowed

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) AST or ALT no greater than 2.0 times ULN Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.0 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than ULN Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Cardiovascular: Ejection fraction at least 50% Other: No underlying medical condition that would preclude study or that is uncontrolled No active serious infection No neurotoxicity or preexisting grade 3 or higher neuropathy Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 5 days since prior immunotherapy Chemotherapy: At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for nitrosoureas and similar compounds) No more than 3 prior chemotherapy regimens for metastatic disease No prior anthracycline exposure exceeding 300 mg/m2 doxorubicin No prior doxorubicin HCl liposome Endocrine therapy: At least 5 days since prior hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered No prior radiotherapy to more than 30% of functioning bone marrow Surgery: At least 3 weeks since prior major surgery Other: No other concurrent experimental drugs No other concurrent anticancer therapy