DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic inoperable soft tissue sarcoma Measurable or evaluable disease that has not been irradiated Must have received, refused, or be not eligible for doxorubicin/ifosfamide treatment Previously untreated gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma allowed

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Performance status: Zubrod 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Transaminases no greater than 3 times normal Renal: Creatinine less than 2.0 mg/dL Cardiovascular: No New York Heart Association class III or IV heart disease No active coronary disease requiring therapy Pulmonary: No severe pulmonary insufficiency Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 3 months after study No other prior malignancy in past 3 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix No concurrent active infections No psychosis or mental disability that would preclude study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 7 days since prior biological therapy and recovered No concurrent immunotherapy Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy and recovered No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: At least 7 days since prior hormonal therapy and recovered Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Surgery: Not specified