PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 3 weeks since prior biologic or immunologic agents Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Recovered from prior chemotherapy Patients with no prior paclitaxel therapy may receive second regimen that includes paclitaxel No other prior or concurrent cytotoxic chemotherapy for recurrent or persistent disease, including retreatment with initial chemotherapy regimens No prior topotecan Endocrine therapy: At least one week since prior hormonal therapy for malignant tumor Prior and concurrent hormone replacement therapy allowed Radiotherapy: No prior or concurrent radiotherapy to target sites No prior radiotherapy to greater than 25% of bone marrow Recovered from prior radiotherapy Surgery: Recovered from prior surgery Other: No prior cancer treatment that contraindicates study