DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed recurrent, metastatic, or unresectable ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal carcinoma that is refractory to platinum, taxane, and topotecan Must have received at least 1 prior chemotherapy regimen Resistance to platinum, taxane, and topotecan is defined as the following: Progressive disease while on chemotherapy OR Relapse within six months of completing chemotherapy OR Failure to achieve complete response after six courses of chemotherapy No recurrent or metastatic disease amenable to attempted curative therapy with surgery and/or radiotherapy Measurable disease No brain metastases