DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed recurrent or refractory ovarian epithelial or peritoneal cancer Platinum resistant AND paclitaxel resistant Progressed on or within 6 months of completing therapy with paclitaxel and platinum either alone or in combination Bidimensionally measurable disease (excludes ascites and pleural effusions) Brain metastases allowed provided that other measurable disease exists and brain lesions required no therapy for 6 months and are not life threatening Not eligible for higher priority GOG protocol