DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven advanced, recurrent, or inoperable ovarian epithelial cancer Previously treated with 1 platinum-containing chemotherapy regimen Bidimensionally measurable or reproducibly measurable disease in 2 dimensions on CT scan (The measurable disease stratum closed to accrual effective 08/1998) OR Evaluable but radiographically nonmeasurable disease with CA-125 more than 50 units/mL on 2 measurements at least 1 week apart