Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Histologically confirmed Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) involving the following:

- Skin

- Lymph nodes (palpable disease only)

- Oral cavity

- Must have ≥ 5 measurable, previously nonirradiated, cutaneous lesions that can be
used as indicator lesions

- Must have 2 lesions ≥ 5 x 5 mm that are accessible for 4 mm punch biopsy

- Serologically confirmed HIV positivity

- Concurrent antiretroviral therapy required, except for patients who have exhausted
all available treatment options

- Must be on a stable dose for ≥ 4 weeks

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

- Life expectancy ≥ 3 months

- No other neoplasia requiring cytotoxic therapy

- Not pregnant or nursing

- Fertile patients must use effective barrier contraception during and for 3 months
after completion of study treatment

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

- See Disease Characteristics

- No prior anthracycline therapy

- At least 4 weeks since prior antineoplastic treatment for KS, including any of the
following:

- Chemotherapy (6 weeks for nitrosoureas or mitomycin C)

- Radiotherapy

- Local therapy

- Biological therapy

- Investigational therapy

- At least 60 days since prior local therapy of any KS indicator lesion unless lesion
has clearly progressed since treatment

- No other concurrent investigational drugs, cytotoxic chemotherapy, or KS-specific
treatment