DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven stage IV or recurrent squamous cell, adenosquamous, or adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix including: Lung, liver, lymph node, or skin metastases OR Retroperitoneal disease OR Other advanced measurable disease OR Positive paraaortic lymph nodes Measurable disease that is beyond the scope of conventional radiation therapy or surgery, or recurrent after radiation therapy or surgery Measurable, recurrent disease within a previously irradiated field must have increased in size by 100% on at least 2 successive scans, MRI, or physical examinations