DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed stage I, II, or III multiple myeloma with protein criteria present Quantifiable M-components of IgG, IgA, IgD, IgE AND/OR Urinary kappa or lambda light chain excretion No IgM peaks Quantifiable monoclonal proteins Received at least 1, but no more than 4 prior treatment regimens, including the following: Chemotherapy Bone marrow transplantation Biologic therapy Radiotherapy Interferon therapy or steroid pulsing given as maintenance therapy after transplantation or chemotherapy is not considered a separate treatment regimen Progressive disease

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Zubrod 0-2 (3-4 allowed if due solely to bone pain) Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 50,000/mm3 (at least 50% plasma cells in bone marrow) Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) SGOT or SGPT no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL OR Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use 2 methods of effective contraception for 4 weeks before, during, and for 4 weeks after study No other prior or concurrent malignancies within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or any other adequately treated stage I or II cancer in complete remission No grade 2 or greater preexisting peripheral neuropathy

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: See Disease Characteristics Prior thalidomide allowed if received less than 3 months of therapy Recovered from prior biologic therapy Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy and recovered No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: See Disease Characteristics No concurrent hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 3 weeks since prior extensive or limited radiotherapy and recovered No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified