DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed hematologic malignancy that has failed standard therapy or for which no standard therapy exists, including, but not limited to, the following: Acute lymphocytic leukemia Acute myelogenous leukemia Chronic lymphocytic leukemia Chronic myelogenous leukemia Multiple myeloma Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Hodgkin's disease No history of CNS disease, including carcinomatous meningitis

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: CTC 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Bilirubin: Groups 1-4: Less than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Group 5: 1.5-4 times ULN Renal: Creatinine clearance: Groups 1 and 5: Greater than 50 mL/min Group 2: 30-50 mL/min Group 3: Less than 30 mL/min Group 4: Less than 30 mL/min, requiring dialysis Neurologic: No history of grade 2 peripheral neuropathy No history of seizure disorder No history of neurologic dysfunction Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception HIV negative

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior immunotherapy (e.g., interferon, monoclonal antibodies) No concurrent interleukin-11 for treatment or prevention of thrombocytopenia No concurrent prophylactic colony stimulating factors Chemotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy (6 weeks for melphalan, carmustine, or mitomycin) At least 72 hours since prior hydroxyurea No prior 506U78 No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: At least 72 hours since prior glucocorticoids Concurrent continuation of steroids for adrenal failure allowed No concurrent hormones except for nondisease related conditions (e.g., insulin for diabetes) No concurrent dexamethasone or other steroidal antiemetics Radiotherapy: At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy No concurrent palliative radiotherapy No concurrent whole brain irradiation for documented CNS disease Surgery: Not specified Other: At least 72 hours since prior aspirin