PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: At least 3 weeks since prior therapy to malignant tumor Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: Recovery from prior chemotherapy required No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen allowed No prior paclitaxel No prior chemotherapy for any malignancy from which the patient is disease-free for at least 5 years Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Recovery from prior radiation therapy required No prior radiation therapy for any malignancy from which the patient is disease-free for at least 5 years Surgery: Recovery from prior surgery required