DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically confirmed Ewing's family tumor as characterized by the following:

  • Positive MIC2 on immunohistochemistry OR

  • Evidence of a chromosomal translocation involving the EWS gene by conventional cytogenetics

    • t(11; 22) translocation or variant OR
    • Demonstration of EWS/FLI1 or EWS/ERG gene fusion by PCR or FISH
• Metastases outside the lung or pleura
• At least 1 measurable lesion outside of previously irradiated area
• No symptomatic or known CNS metastases

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

• 15 to 65

Performance status:

• WHO 0-2

Life expectancy:

• Not specified

Hematopoietic:

• WBC at least 3,000/mm3
• Neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm3
• Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3

Hepatic:

• Bilirubin less than 3 mg/dL
• Albumin greater than 2.5 g/dL

Renal:

• Creatinine less than 1.2 mg/dL
• Creatinine clearance greater than 70 mL/min

Cardiovascular:

• No history of uncontrolled cardiovascular disease

Other:

• No other severe medical illness, including psychosis
• No other prior primary malignancy except adequately treated carcinoma in situ of the cervix or basal cell skin cancer
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

• Not specified

Chemotherapy:

• No prior chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy:

• Not specified

Radiotherapy:

• See Disease Characteristics

Surgery:

• Not specified