Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Histologically confirmed refractory or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the
cervix that has failed local therapy and is considered incurable

- Must have had 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for cervical cancer

- No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen (single or combination drug therapy),
unless used as a radiosensitizer

- No prior chemotherapy for recurrent or persistent disease including retreatment
with initial chemotherapy

- Bidimensionally measurable disease

- Ineligible for higher priority GOG protocol

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age:

- Not specified

Performance status:

- GOG 0-2

Life expectancy:

- Not specified

Hematopoietic:

- Platelet count at least lower limit of normal

- Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3

Hepatic:

- Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times normal

- SGOT and alkaline phosphatase no greater than 3 times normal

Renal:

- Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL

Other:

- Not pregnant

- Fertile patients must use effective contraception

- No significant infection

- No other malignancies within past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy:

- At least 3 weeks since prior biologic therapy for cervical cancer

Chemotherapy:

- See Disease Characteristics

- At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy for cervical cancer and recovered

- No prior gemcitabine

Endocrine therapy:

- At least 3 weeks since prior endocrine therapy for cervical cancer

Radiotherapy:

- At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy for cervical cancer and recovered

- No prior radiotherapy to more than 25% of marrow-bearing areas

Surgery:

- At least 3 weeks since prior surgery for cervical cancer and recovered

Other:

- No concurrent amifostine or other protective reagents

- No prior anticancer therapy that contraindicates study