DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed advanced, persistent or recurrent uterine sarcoma with documented disease progression after appropriate local therapy Leiomyosarcoma Malignant mixed mullerian tumor (mixed mesodermal tumor, mixed heterologous mesenchymal sarcoma) Mixed malignant Muellerian tumor (carcinosarcoma, homologous mesenchymal sarcoma) Endometrial stromal sarcoma Other uterine sarcomas Considered incurable Bidimensionally measurable disease consisting of abdominal, pelvic, chest, or other masses by palpation, x-ray, computed tomography, or ultrasound