DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum Measurable or evaluable lesion or residual disease (e.g., ascites, bone metastases) Failure after first line therapy Fluorouracil and leucovorin calcium OR Raltitrexed No oxaliplatin or irinotecan Relapse within 6 months of adjuvant therapy Relapse within 6 months of hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy for resected hepatic metastasis No symptomatic brain metastasis