DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed cancer of the colon or rectum Clinical evidence of metastatic disease Failed 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for metastatic disease Measurable disease No known or clinical evidence of CNS metastasis

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified

Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic:

Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) SGOT or SGPT no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: No uncontrolled ventricular arrhythmia No myocardial infarction within the past 3 months No superior vena cava syndrome Neurologic: No peripheral neuropathy greater than grade 1 No uncontrolled major seizure disorder No spinal cord compression Other: No unstable or serious concurrent medical condition No concurrent serious infection requiring parenteral therapy No other prior malignancy except: Curatively treated nonmelanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix OR Other cancer curatively treated with surgery alone that has not recurred for more than 5 years No psychiatric disorder that would preclude study Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 6 months after study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent immunotherapy Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for metastatic disease No prior taxanes At least 28 days since prior chemotherapy and recovered No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent hormonal therapy Radiotherapy: At least 28 days since prior large-field radiotherapy and recovered No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: At least 14 days since prior major surgery and recovered