DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically proven metastatic urothelial carcinoma Bidimensionally measurable disease Platinum sensitive OR platinum resistant Platinum sensitive disease: No prior platinum containing regimen OR Progressive or recurrent disease more than 6 months after responding to a platinum containing regimen Platinum resistant disease: Progressive or recurrent disease within 6 months of a platinum containing regimen (cisplatin or carboplatin) No brain metastases