Liposomal Daunorubicin in Treating Patients With HIV-Related Kaposi's Sarcoma

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