PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No other concurrent biologic therapy No concurrent WBC transfusions Chemotherapy: No prior gemcitabine or docetaxel Other prior chemotherapy allowed Prior intravesical therapy allowed No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy to renal pelvis or ureter allowed Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Cystoprostatectomy or nephroureterectomy for localized TCC allowed Other: No prior investigational drugs No other concurrent investigational therapy No concurrent acetaminophen for fever prophylaxis