DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed stage III or IV ovarian cancer that is refractory to an initial chemotherapy regimen that included a platinum agent plus paclitaxel - Epithelial ovarian cancer - Primary carcinoma of the peritoneum - Fallopian tube cancer Initial response to platinum and paclitaxel must have been one of the following: Progression or stable disease Response that lasted less than 3 months Response that lasted at least 3 months, but when retreated with both agents (in combination or as single agents) disease was refractory Measurable or evaluable disease Evaluable disease is defined by: CA-125 at least 100 units/mL AND CA-125 level must have at least doubled from baseline determination