BMS-247550 in Treating Patients With Metastatic Stomach Cancer Previously Treated With Chemotherapy

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma originating in the stomach or gastroesophageal junction Failed prior taxane-based chemotherapy regimen* in the metastatic setting OR Relapsed within 6 months of completing taxane-based chemotherapy* in the adjuvant setting Bidimensionally measurable metastatic disease No prior radiotherapy to only measurable target lesion No squamous cell or sarcomatous disease No known brain metastases NOTE: *Regimen must have included a fluopyrimidine and/or a platinum drug PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 2,000/mm^3 Platelet count greater than 125,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) ALT no greater than 2.5 times ULN (5 times ULN if liver metastases present) Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2 times ULN Cardiovascular: No unstable angina, myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure within the past 6 months Other: No other malignancy within the past 2 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix No serious concurrent infection No nonmalignant uncontrolled medical illness that would preclude study No psychiatric disorder or other condition that would preclude study compliance No neuropathy (neuromotor or neurosensory) of grade 2 or greater No known severe hypersensitivity to agents containing Cremophor EL Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 2 months after the study PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No concurrent immunotherapy Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 3 weeks since prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease Prior neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy allowed No more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for metastatic disease No other concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: No concurrent hormonal therapy except hormone replacement therapy Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered No prior radiotherapy to major bone marrow-containing areas (e.g., pelvis or lumbar spine) No concurrent therapeutic radiotherapy Surgery: At least 1 week since prior minor surgery and recovered At least 3 weeks since prior major surgery and recovered Other: No other concurrent experimental anticancer medications