PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: At least 3 weeks since therapy directed at malignancy Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen (either single or combination cytotoxic drug therapy) No prior paclitaxel Recovery from prior chemotherapy required Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy for recurrent disease except a low dose, single fraction used to abrogate menorrhagia Recovery from prior radiotherapy required Surgery: Recovery from prior surgery required