Combination Chemotherapy Plus Sargramostim in Treating Patients With Cancer of the Uterus

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed primary leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the uterus Advanced, persistent, or recurrent disease that is refractory to curative therapy or established treatments At least 1 unidimensionally measurable target lesion At least 20 mm by conventional techniques (e.g., palpation, plain x-ray, CT scan, or MRI) OR At least 10 mm by spiral CT scan Tumors within a previously irradiated field are designated as non-target lesions Ineligible for a higher priority Gynecologic Oncology Group protocol (if one exists), including any active phase III protocol for the same population PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: GOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) SGOT no greater than 2.5 times ULN Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Other: No active infection requiring antibiotics No grade 2 or greater sensory or motor neuropathy No other invasive malignancy within the past 5 years except nonmelanoma skin cancer PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior cytotoxic chemotherapy for LMS of the uterus Endocrine therapy: At least 1 week since prior hormonal therapy for LMS of the uterus Concurrent hormone replacement therapy allowed Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Recovered from prior recent radiotherapy Surgery: Recovered from prior recent surgery Other: Recovered from other prior recent therapy No prior cancer treatment that would preclude study therapy