OUTLINE: This is a dose-escalation study of docetaxel and gemcitabine. Patients receive docetaxel IV over 30 minutes and gemcitabine IV over 30 minutes on days 1 and 8. Carboplatin IV is administered over 30 minutes on day 1. Treatment repeats every 21-28 days for up to 6 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Cohorts of 3-5 patients receive escalating doses of docetaxel and gemcitabine until the maximum tolerated dose is determined. The MTD is defined as the dose preceding that at which 2 of 3 or 2 of 5 patients experience dose-limiting toxicity.