DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or serologically confirmed metastatic germ cell neoplasm (gonadal or extragonadal primary) that cannot be cured with either surgery or chemotherapy Seminomas, nonseminomas, or ovarian germ cell tumors allowed If histologically confirmed, requires one or more of the following: Metastatic lesions on chest x-ray or CT scan Rising serum HCG or AFP If only evidence of progressive disease, then two additional consecutive determinations must exhibit serologic progression Only eligible if alternative causes for increased serum levels are absent Failed initial cisplatin combination chemotherapy (generally bleomycin/etoposide/cisplatin, cisplatin/etoposide, cisplatin/vinblastine, or similar regimens) Failed and demonstrated progressive disease following the administration of at least one "salvage" regimen for advanced germ cell neoplasms Failed no more than three prior regimens defined as: 25% increase in the product of perpendicular diameters of measurable tumor masses during prior therapy, new lesions OR Increasing AFP or HCG Disease progression during initial induction chemotherapy or with primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors can be treated with paclitaxel plus gemcitabine as second-line therapy (initial salvage chemotherapy)