DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed recurrent or metastatic ovarian epithelial or cervical cancer Tissue not accessible for biopsy Refractory to curative therapy or established treatments and ineligible for higher priority GOG protocols Measurable disease required, as follows: Lesion measurable by physical exam Lesion bidimensionally measurable on sonogram or imaging Ascites/pleural effusion not measurable

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Any age Performance status: GOG 0-2 Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,000/mm3 Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelets at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no more than 1.5 times normal AST no more than 3 times normal Alkaline phosphatase no more than 3 times normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2.0 mg/dL Other: Body surface area at least 1 square meter No requirement for intravenous hydration or nutritional support No significant infection No second malignancy other than nonmelanomatous skin cancer

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 3 weeks since anticancer therapy Chemotherapy: No more than 1 prior chemotherapy trial No prior etoposide At least 3 weeks since chemotherapy and recovered Endocrine therapy: At least 3 weeks since anticancer therapy Radiotherapy: At least 3 weeks since radiotherapy Surgery: At least 3 weeks since surgery and recovered