Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Histologically confirmed primary stage III, stage IV, or recurrent endometrial
carcinoma

- Very poor potential for cure by radiotherapy or surgery alone or in combination

- Measurable disease

- Disease in an irradiated field as the only site of measurable disease allowed
provided there has been clear progression since completion of radiotherapy

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age

- 18 and over

Performance status

- GOG 0-2

Life expectancy

- Not specified

Hematopoietic

- Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3

- Granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm^3

Hepatic

- SGPT no greater than 3 times upper limit of normal

- Bilirubin normal

Renal

- Creatinine no greater than 1.6 mg/dL

Cardiovascular

- LVEF at least 50% within past 6 months

- No uncontrolled angina

- No third-degree or complete heart block unless a pacemaker is in place

Neurologic

- No serious peripheral neuropathy

Other

- No prior or concurrent malignancy within past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer

- No uncontrolled infection

- No sensitivity to E. coli-derived drug preparations

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy

- Prior biologic therapy allowed

- No concurrent biologic therapy

Chemotherapy

- No prior cytotoxic chemotherapy, including chemotherapy used for radiation
sensitization

- No prior chemotherapy for any prior malignancy

Endocrine therapy

- Prior hormone therapy allowed

- No concurrent hormone therapy

Radiotherapy

- At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy to the whole pelvis or to over 50% of the
spine

Surgery

- Not specified