PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease Prior neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy for primary soft tissue sarcoma allowed if cumulative dose of doxorubicin no greater than 200 mg/m2 At least 1 year since prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: See Disease Characteristics