DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven, untreated, primary desmoid tumor (aggressive fibromatosis) for which surgery and/or radiation therapy is not thought to be feasible (prior attempted surgical resection allowed if gross residual disease remains) No other fibroblastic lesions or other fibromatoses allowed Recurrent desmoid tumor not previously treated with vinca alkaloids or methotrexate and no chemotherapy since recurrence Measurable disease by MRI