DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed previously untreated metastatic or locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma not amenable to standard curative therapies Measurable disease At least 20 mm by conventional techniques OR At least 10 mm by spiral CT scan Bone lesions are not considered measurable Must have measurable disease outside irradiated area unless evidence of progression or new lesions inside irradiated area No carcinosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, soft tissue Ewing's sarcoma, or embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma