OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the antitumor activity of DX-8951f in patients with recurrent, metastatic, or unresectable ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal carcinoma that is refractory to platinum, taxane, and topotecan. II. Evaluate the quantitative and qualitative toxic effects of this regimen in these patients. III. Evaluate the pharmacokinetics of this regimen in these patients.