DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically documented ovarian epithelial cancer Metastatic and/or locally recurrent disease that is incurable with standard therapy Must have received 1 or 2 prior regimens of chemotherapy At least 1 regimen must have contained cisplatin or carboplatin Bidimensionally measurable disease Indicator lesion size must be as follows: At least 4-50 cm2 by CT scan At least 1 cm2 by chest xray At least 1 cm2 (e.g., nodules) by physical exam No abdominal adenocarcinoma of unknown origin No borderline ovarian tumor No tumor known to be of primary fallopian tube or peritoneal origin