Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Metastatic Ewing's Sarcoma or Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor

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